Common Redstart

Scientific Name: Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Muscicapidae

A slim, elegant chat known for its habit of frequently quivering its bright orange-red tail. Males are strikingly colored.

Region of Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Typical Sighting Period: April through September (Breeding season)
Plumage Details: Adult males (visible here) have a slate-grey back, black face and throat, white forehead, and a bright orange-red breast and tail. Females are much duller, being mostly brown with a paler orange tail.
Ecological Significance: Acts as an important insectivore, controlling pest populations in woodlands, and serves as an indicator species for the health of mature forest ecosystems.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN) with a stable population trend.
Observation Tips: Look for a constant flicking or shivering motion of the tail. They are often found on the edge of woodlands or in mature parks and gardens.

Length: 13-14.5 cm; Wingspan: 20-23 cm; Weight: 11-20 g

Primarily insects and spiders which it catches on the ground or in mid-air; also eats berries in the autumn.

Mature deciduous woodlands, parks, old orchards, and large gardens with plenty of nesting cavities.

Migratory; spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa, returning to Europe and Central Asia to breed in the spring.

A melodic, high-pitched warbling song starting with a 'huit' note, followed by several clear whistles and a scratchy finish.

Nests in holes in trees or walls; uses grass, moss, and feathers. Lays 5-7 pale blue eggs between May and June.

Orange-red tail that 'shivers', white forehead patch, and black throat in males.

Black Redstart (darker overall, lacks orange breast), American Redstart (unrelated, different color pattern).

The name 'redstart' comes from the Old English 'stert', meaning tail. They are very active birds that rarely sit still for long.