Flycatchers and chats · Perching birds
Common Redstart
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Phoenicurus phoenicurus
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Voice
Song
Song
Call
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.
Where to find
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In old parks and gardens with hollow trees, the Common Redstart often sits on low branches, flicking its bright tail before darting after insects.
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By quiet building walls, in niches and under cladding — listen for a soft, brief song and watch for quick trips out to nearby treetops.
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Along avenues with scattered mature trees, it favors open gaps and makes short flycatcher-style sallies from a perch.
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Near woodpiles, sheds, and courtyard corners with stacked logs — look for it slipping into hidden crevices and feeding on the ground nearby.
