Predators and Parasites
Throughout the Firecrest's range, the main predator of small woodland birds is the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, which takes avian prey as up to 98% of its diet. The Tawny Owl relies more on mammalian catches, but about one-third of its food is forest birds. Eggs and young may be taken by Grey Squirrels, Eurasian Jays and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The Firecrest appears to be virtually unknown as a host of the Common Cuckoo, a widespread European brood parasite.
The invasive Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) is common in the Mediterranean area, and reduces arthropod numbers by removing most native ant species. The reduction in prey items is greatest in the tree canopy, and has a greater effect on species like the Firecrest that feed high in the foliage. Less food is available for chicks, and parents have to spend more time foraging.
Data on specific parasites of the Firecrest is lacking, but the widespread moorhen flea, Dasypsyllus gallinulae has been recorded in a related Regulus species. A number of feather mites have been recorded in the genus, including Proctophyllodes glandarinus on Firecrest. These mites live on fungi growing on the feathers. The fungi found on the plumage may feed on the keratin of the outer feathers or on feather oil.
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