The diminutive Goldcrest is Britain’s smallest bird, weighting in at just over 5 grams. Named from its colourful golden crest feathers, it is also known as the "king of the birds" in European folklore, giving rise to both its English and scientific names. The scientific name, Regulus regulus, means king or knight. Its Manx name Ushag y fuygh means bird of the timber, referring to its preference for inhabiting woodlands, in particular coniferous plantations.

Although it can be found year-round on the Isle of Man, their numbers increase during spring and autumn as migratory birds move through, with counts of up to a thousand being recorded at the Calf of Man Bird Observatory. Despite their small size, they travel large distances, with birds from France, Belgium, The Netherlands and even Russia having been recorded on the Calf.