Common Redstart
NameCommon Redstart
Common NameCommon Redstart
Scientific NamePhoenicurus phoenicurus
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsAdult male: Black face and throat, prominent white forehead stripe, grey crown and back, dark wings, and a bright orange-red breast, belly, and rump. The tail is also vivid orange-red with dark central feathers. Adult female: Dull brown upperparts, buffy-orange underparts, and a reddish tail, lacking the male's distinct facial pattern.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a soft, melancholic, and warbling melody, often incorporating mimicry of other birds. Its alarm call is a sharp 'whit-tic-tic' or 'huit-tec-tec'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of temperate Europe and western Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter months.
Identifying FeaturesQuivering orange-red tail, Male: black face, white forehead, grey back, orange-red breast, Female: duller brown plumage with reddish tail, Upright posture when perched
Description
The Common Redstart is a small, active passerine bird known for its vibrant orange-red tail, which it frequently quivers. Males display striking black, white, grey, and orange plumage, while females are more subtly colored in browns and buff. They are agile insect-eaters, often seen perching upright before darting out to catch prey.
