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The Tiny Monarch of Norwegian Birds

Writer's picture: Marion SolheimMarion Solheim
Hello, little king! Photo: Canva
Hello, little king! Photo: Canva

Have you heard of Norway’s smallest bird, Fuglekongen? In Norwegian it means "the king of birds", in English it is known as Goldcrest. The story behind its Norwegian name is just as charming as the tiny bird itself, whose trilling song echoes through the forests.

 

Here’s how Fuglekongen got its name, according to folk tales: Once upon a time, all the birds decided that whoever could fly the highest would be crowned king. The Golden Eagle soared higher than all the others and was certain of victory. But the smallest bird of them all, Fuglekongen, had hidden among the eagle’s feathers. When the eagle reached its peak, Fuglekongen emerged and flew even higher. Thus, it was crowned king, adorned with a bright yellow crown on its head, and named the king of birds.


Illustration by H. E. Dresser, 1870's/Wikimedia Commons
Illustration by H. E. Dresser, 1870's/Wikimedia Commons

Fuglekongen (Regulus regulus – “little king”) is the smallest bird species in Norway. Measuring just about nine centimeters, it is actually among the tiniest in the world; that’s comparable in size to medium-sized hummingbirds. Due to its extremely high metabolism, this little king needs to eat almost constantly.

 

Tiny bird in a hand
The bird only weighs a couple of grams! Photo: Eifeljanes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This bird favors dense coniferous forests and is often seen foraging with titmice in winter. It prefers the treetops, flitting restlessly in search of food. Although it is well-camouflaged, its distinctive call—a high-pitched trill—can help you identify it. The frequency is so high that many older people cannot hear it. If you want to listen to the tune, click here.

 

Illustration of the bird and the nest by Henrik Grönvold, 1807/Wikimedia Commons
Illustration of the bird and the nest by Henrik Grönvold, 1807/Wikimedia Commons

In Norway, Fuglekongen is widespread across much of the country, though it is absent in the far north and mountainous regions. During winter, some of these tiny birds remain in Norway, while others migrate south to the continent. Those that leave return in March or April to nest. And what a nest! This nest is arguably one of the most remarkable in Norway; it’s a meticulously crafted round ball of feathers and moss, with a circular entrance at the top. The bird often raise two broods per season, with each clutch containing 8–13 eggs.


Fuglekongen is a lively and super cute little monarch of the Norwegian forests!

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