Blue-capped Redstart
NameBlue-capped Redstart
Common NameBlue-capped Redstart
Scientific NamePhoenicurus caeruleocephala
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)19.5
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsThe male Blue-capped Redstart has a distinctive blue-grey crown and nape, contrasting with a black face, throat, and upper breast. Its back and wings are dark grey to blackish, featuring a prominent white patch on the primary coverts. The lower breast and belly are white, and the tail is rufous with dark central feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include thin, high-pitched 'tsee' or 'tsip' calls. The song is a series of varied, musical phrases, often delivered from a prominent perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Himalayas and associated mountain ranges, from Afghanistan eastward through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and into parts of China and Myanmar.
Identifying FeaturesBlue-grey crown (male), Black face and throat (male), White belly (male), White wing patch (male), Rufous tail (male), Active, tail-flicking behavior
Description
The Blue-capped Redstart is a small, active passerine bird typically found in high-altitude mountainous regions. Males exhibit striking plumage with a blue-grey cap and black face, while females are duller brown. They are often seen perching conspicuously on rocks or branches, frequently flicking their rufous tails.
