GOLDCREST
The goldcrest is the smallest bird in Europe, and what a little beauty. Apart from the crest, the sexes are similar in appearance. Olive-green upperparts, buff-white upperparts, 2 white wing bars, and a plain face with conspicuous black irises. On the head, the crown has black sides and a narrow black front. The centre of the crest is bright yellow in both sexes, but the male has a bright orange centre to the yellow. The crest can be erect when displaying during breeding time.
The goldcrest breeds in mature lowland and mountain coniferous woodlands. Broad-leafed woods are only used if spruces and firs are also present. After breeding, they can be found in deciduous trees, heathland and similar open habitats. Here on Kefalonia, the conifers on Mt Ainos and at the top of Livadi marshes are good spots to see them. The pines at Avithos lake are good, but I have also found firecrests there, which are similar in appearance.
The goldcrests nest is a 3 layered affair, with the outer layer of twigs, moss, lichen and spiderwebs. The cobwebs are used to attach the nest to thin branches. The second layer is moss, and the inner layer is made of feathers and hair. A clutch of 9 to 11 eggs is laid. Second clutches are often laid while the young are still in the nest. The male will build the second nest and then feeds the young while the female incubates the eggs in the second nest. When the first brood has fledged, he will help the female with the second set of young.
