12 of the World's Smallest Birds (Photo Gallery)

Some little birds are really hard to believe because they're battery-size and gorgeous. Usually it is the flashiest birds that that manage to get our attention. Small birds are the most fascinating and mesmerizing creatures on our planet. Their unusual flight patterns, multicolored plumage, distinctive calls bring us pleasure and cheerfulness. Small birds play a very significant role in reproduction of plants and indication of season change.

Goldcrest: The goldcrest's scientific name is Regulus regulus, and regulus means "prince, little king." This species is in the kinglet family and is the smallest of all the birds in Europe. It measures only about 3.3 to 3.7 inches in length and weighs a minuscule 0.16 to 0.25 ounces. The species may be small, but it is mighty and doesn't mess around when it comes to raising young. As many as a dozen eggs incubate at once, and sometimes a female will have two broods a season.