Goldcrests feed on small insects and spiders, constantly moving along branches and needles of trees to find food; the species collects prey from the surface of needles and branches, including butterflies, flies, Hymenoptera, beetles, bedbugs, Orthoptera, dragonflies, mayflies, and lacewings, as well as insect eggs, larvae, and plant matter. The diet also includes insects and insect larvae; the daily food requirement ranges from 1.5 grams to 3 grams, and the feeding strategy involves searching for and obtaining food.