Plumbeous Water-redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Plumbeous Water-redstart is a small, compact bird with a distinctive blue-grey plumage in males. Males have rusty-red undertail coverts and tail. The tail is often held cocked.
Females are predominantly grey with white-spotted wingbars and white rump markings. Their tail is black with white bases on the outer feathers. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with buff-stippled upperparts.
Size
Length
12cm to 15cm
Wingspan
23cm to 26cm
Weight
13g to 23g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Plumbeous Water-redstarts inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, rivers and cascades across the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia. They are found in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, typically in forested or rocky areas with clear, rushing water.
During winter, some populations move to lower elevations, but the species is generally non-migratory.
Elevation Range
300 to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Plumbeous Water-redstart. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile bird, capable of making precise flights over rushing water to catch insects, navigating rocky terrain, and even swimming underwater when needed. Their tail-bobbing behaviour and ability to manoeuvre effectively in fast-flowing stream environments demonstrates exceptional aerial and terrestrial agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst relatively small (14-15cm length, 18-23g), they possess sufficient strength to navigate strong water currents and grip slippery rocks. Their compact build provides adequate power for their size, though they're not particularly strong compared to many other bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Remarkably adaptable, surviving across elevations from 300 - 4,000m and managing seasonal altitudinal migrations. Their ability to thrive in fast-flowing water environments, swim when necessary, and modify their behaviour for different hunting strategies shows impressive adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Notably territorial, particularly during breeding season, with males fiercely defending their waterway territories. They actively engage in territorial displays and maintain their areas against intruders, showing significant aggressive behaviour for their size.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates considerable endurance through constant activity near fast-flowing waters, regular tail-bobbing and wing-flicking, and ability to maintain territories in challenging mountain stream environments. Their capacity for altitudinal migration also indicates strong endurance capabilities.
Diet
The Plumbeous Water-redstart primarily feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects.
They catch prey by making short, agile flights from perches over water or by gleaning insects from rocks and vegetation along stream banks. Their diet may also include small fish and tadpoles when available.
Behaviour
Plumbeous Water-redstarts are highly active birds, often seen bobbing their tails and flicking their wings near fast-flowing streams. They frequently perch on rocks or low branches overhanging water, from where they make short flights to catch insects.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, fiercely defending their territories along waterways.
Vocalisation
The Plumbeous Water-redstart has a distinctive, sharp call often described as a metallic 'tink-tink' or 'zink-zink'. Their song is a series of high-pitched, tinkling notes, sometimes interspersed with warbling phrases.
These vocalisations are frequently heard over the sound of rushing water in their habitat.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Plumbeous Water-redstarts typically occurs from April to July. Males establish territories along streams and perform displays to attract females, including wing-spreading and tail-fanning.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of moss, grass, and rootlets. They are often placed in rock crevices or banks near water. Females lay 3-4 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 14-16 days and is primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 14-16 days but remain dependent on the adults for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Plumbeous Water-redstart is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat degradation and water pollution.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting mountain stream ecosystems and maintaining water quality in their preferred habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them along fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers
- Listen for their sharp, metallic 'tink-tink' call
- Watch for their characteristic tail-bobbing behaviour
- Scan rocks and low branches near water for perched individuals
- Visit higher elevations during summer for better chances of sighting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Plumbeous Redstart
Family:
MuscicapidaePredators
Main predators include birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and falcons, as well as snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.
Did You Know?
- Plumbeous Water-redstarts can swim short distances underwater to escape danger.
- Their feet are adapted for gripping slippery rocks in fast-flowing streams.
- Despite their name, they are more closely related to Old World flycatchers than to true redstarts.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Phoenicurus fuliginosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22710092A263880796.
View source - 2
report, 2005: del Hoyo et al.
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.