Flycatchers and chats · Perching birds
Common Redstart
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Phoenicurus phoenicurus
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Voice
Song
Philippe_Grange
Song
Philippe_Grange
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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Small and slim
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Grey upperparts, orange-red tail and belly
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Male: white forehead, black face and throat
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Tail quivers often; perches briefly, then darts off
About the species
The Common Redstart is easy to notice for its restless tail, which it keeps flicking before freezing for a moment. It has a neat, slim look and a light, lively way of moving.
Its song is clear and pleasant, but brief and not especially constant. In spring it may sing through the day and even at night, then grows quiet by early summer.
It favors woods, woodland parks, gardens, and older green spaces, especially places with cavities, hollows, or other sheltered nesting spots. It feeds mainly on insects and may also take berries in colder weather, then leaves for Africa and southern Arabia for the winter.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Phoenicurus phoenicurus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Common redstart Encyclopedia article