Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros
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Phoenicurus ochruros
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Mass
~15 g
Habitat
Rocks and cliffs
Diet
Insects and invertebrates
How to recognize it
The black redstart is easy to remember for its restless way of moving. It keeps shifting position, sits upright, and flicks its tail again and again, while the dark body and rusty tail stand out well on walls, roofs, and stone.
It is a busy, fairly noisy character. The song is a rough, simple mix of trills, whistles, and sharp ticking notes, and the male often sings from a high perch such as a rock, roof edge, or other open lookout.
It started out on rocky slopes and cliffs, but now also fits in well around people, especially in industrial areas, building sites, and single structures in open ground. It feeds mostly on small invertebrates, catching them on the ground and in the air, and in summer and autumn it also takes berries; in milder places many stay year-round.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The black redstart is easy to remember for its restless way of moving. It keeps shifting position, sits upright, and flicks its tail again and again, while the dark body and rusty tail stand out well on walls, roofs, and stone.
It is a busy, fairly noisy character. The song is a rough, simple mix of trills, whistles, and sharp ticking notes, and the male often sings from a high perch such as a rock, roof edge, or other open lookout.
It started out on rocky slopes and cliffs, but now also fits in well around people, especially in industrial areas, building sites, and single structures in open ground. It feeds mostly on small invertebrates, catching them on the ground and in the air, and in summer and autumn it also takes berries; in milder places many stay year-round.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Phoenicurus ochruros Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Black redstart Encyclopedia article