Red-flanked Bluetail
Least ConcernTarsiger cyanurus
Visual Identification
Red-flanked Bluetail
Appearance
The Red-flanked Bluetail is a small, vibrant bird with striking blue upperparts in males. Its most distinctive feature is the bright orange-red flanks, contrasting beautifully with the blue back and tail. The underparts are predominantly white.
Females and juveniles are less colourful, with brown upperparts and a white eyering. Both sexes display the characteristic orange flanks, though less vivid in females. In winter, males may show duller plumage resembling females.
Size
Length
13cm to 14cm
Wingspan
20cm to 23cm
Weight
10g to 18g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red-flanked Bluetails inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across northern Asia, from Siberia to Japan. They prefer areas with dense undergrowth and a mix of open spaces and cover. During the breeding season, they occupy boreal forests and subalpine zones.
In winter, they migrate to Southeast Asia and southern China. Rare vagrants occasionally appear in Western Europe, including the UK, typically during autumn migration, causing excitement among birdwatchers.
They're a rare vagrant in North America as well, with sightings becoming more common across the US and Mexico.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
The Red-flanked Bluetail primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates. It forages on the ground or in low vegetation, often seen hopping and darting to catch prey. They will sometimes feed from the branches of trees and catch insects on the wing.
During autumn, its diet may expand to include small berries and fruits, especially when preparing for migration.
Behaviour
Red-flanked Bluetails are known for their quick, darting movements as they forage on the forest floor. They often perch low in shrubs or on the ground, flicking their tails upwards in a characteristic motion.
During the breeding season, males become territorial and engage in melodious singing to attract mates and defend their areas.
Vocalisation
The Red-flanked Bluetail has a melodious and varied song, consisting of clear, high-pitched whistles and warbles. Its call is a sharp, distinctive 'tik-tik-tik' or 'zri-zri-zri'. Males tend to vocalise more than females, singing from tree branches and the top of bushes.
During migration and in winter, they often give a soft, plaintive 'seeep' call, helping birdwatchers locate them in dense vegetation.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to July, with males establishing territories through song. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season. Nests are built low to the ground, often in tree cavities, stumps, or dense vegetation.
The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using moss, leaves, and fine grasses. She typically lays 4-6 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown speckles. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 13-14 days.
Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 13-15 days. After leaving the nest, the young may remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Red-flanked Bluetail typically lives for 3 to 5 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 Red-flanked Bluetail is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting its breeding and wintering habitats, particularly in boreal forests and mountainous regions across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for quick movements near the ground in forested areas
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched 'tik-tik-tik' call
- Search for flashes of blue and orange in low vegetation
- Be patient, as they can be shy and elusive
- In the UK, check coastal areas during autumn migration
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Orange-flanked Bush-robin
Family:
MuscicapidaePredators
Main predators include small mammals like martens and weasels, as well as birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and small owls.
Did You Know?
- The Red-flanked Bluetail can hover briefly while foraging, a behaviour uncommon among its relatives.
- It's one of the few Old World flycatchers that regularly migrates to Southeast Asia.
- In Japan, it's known as 'Ruri Bitaki', meaning 'lapis lazuli fire bird'.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Tarsiger cyanurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T105294257A87892860.
View source