Black Redstart
Least ConcernPhoenicurus ochruros
Visual Identification
Black Redstart
Appearance
The Black Redstart is a small, sleek bird with a distinctive appearance. Adult males sport a striking black plumage on their head, throat, and upper parts, contrasted by a bright rusty-red tail and lower belly. Their wings feature a prominent white patch, visible in flight.
Females and juveniles have duller plumages, with grey-brown upperparts and a paler underside. Both sexes retain the characteristic red tail, though it's less vibrant in females.
Size
Length
13cm to 14.5cm
Wingspan
23cm to 26cm
Weight
12g to 20g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Black Redstarts thrive in rocky habitats, both natural and man-made. They are commonly found in urban areas, nesting on buildings, industrial sites, and ruins. Their natural habitats include mountain cliffs, rocky coasts, and open woodland edges.
The species breeds across Europe and Asia, with populations extending from the UK to China. In winter, many European birds migrate to the Mediterranean region and North Africa.
In the UK, they are year-round residents, albeit rare, in some urban areas, with numbers boosted by winter visitors. Passage sightings are regularly reported in spring and autumn across eastern England.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,700 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Black Redstarts are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates. They skilfully catch flying insects mid-air and glean prey from walls and ground.
Insects, including grasshoppers, flies, earwigs, cockroaches, beetles, butterflies and moths, and ants, bees, and wasps are among their most common prey, as well as spiders, worms, millipedes, woodlice, and caterpillars.
In urban environments, they've adapted to forage among buildings and construction sites, sometimes supplementing their diet with small berries and seeds.
Behaviour
Black Redstarts are known for their distinctive tail-wagging behaviour, often accompanied by a bobbing motion. They are adept at vertical takeoffs and landings, frequently perching on high points in urban environments.
These birds are generally solitary outside the breeding season, fiercely defending their territories with melodious songs and aggressive displays.
Vocalisation
The Black Redstart's song is a distinctive, scratchy warble, often described as a 'crackling' sound followed by a squeaky ending. It's frequently likened to the sound of crumpling paper, with a characteristic 'tik-tik-tik' alarm call.
Males sing persistently from high perches, especially during early mornings.
Nesting & Breeding
Black Redstarts typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, from April to August. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, singing from prominent perches to attract females.
Nests are built in crevices or holes in buildings, cliffs, or walls. The cup-shaped nest is constructed of grass, moss, and roots, lined with feathers and hair. Females lay 4-6 white eggs with a bluish tinge.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 12-15 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season, sometimes three in favourable conditions.
Lifespan
The Black Redstart typically lives for 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.2 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Black Redstart is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces localised threats from urban development and climate change.
In the UK, it's a protected species due to its small breeding population. Conservation efforts focus on creating suitable urban habitats and preserving traditional nesting sites.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Black Redstarts on rooftops, chimneys, and other high urban structures
- Listen for their distinctive song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour for easy identification
- In the UK, coastal areas and industrial sites are good spots for sightings, particularly during winter
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Blackstart
Family:
MuscicapidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Black Redstarts were one of the first birds to recolonise bomb sites in London after World War II.
- They can produce up to 15 different types of songs and calls.
- In some European countries, they're considered a symbol of urban wildlife adaptation.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Common Redstart and Black Redstart?
As you might expect from their name, common redstarts are a lot less rare than black redstarts and are widespread throughout the UK. Similar in size and shape, colouring is the key way to tell the difference between the species.
Male black redstarts’ plumage is dominated by black, with a black breast, an orange-red belly, and grey-black upperparts. Common redstarts have lighter grey-brown upperparts, a white forehead, and an orange-red breast and belly. Females are more similar, although female black redstarts are generally darker, and female common redstarts have faint reddish colouring visible on the breast.
What do you feed Black Redstart?
Black redstarts do not normally visit gardens and survive by foraging for insects and invertebrates and wild berries and seeds. Areas of wild vegetation where they have access to a diverse range of insect and plant species
Do Black Redstarts wag their tails?
Tail flicking is a common trait of black redstarts, and it’s observed to increase in frequency when they sense a predator nearby. Tail flicking is also part of the male black redstart’s courtship display, drawing attention to the bright rusty-orange tail feathers.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Phoenicurus ochruros (amended version of 2018 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22710051A155610899.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source