Red-flanked Bluetail
Tarsiger cyanurus
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-flanked Bluetail. 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
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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.
The Red-flanked Bluetail exhibits remarkable agility, characterised by quick, darting movements during foraging. Its ability to hover briefly and navigate dense undergrowth with ease demonstrates exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing between 10-18 grams, the Red-flanked Bluetail possesses modest strength relative to its size. It's capable of the necessary actions for survival but isn't particularly strong compared to larger bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows considerable adaptability, thriving in various habitats from sea level to 4,000 metres elevation. Its ability to adjust its diet seasonally and successfully migrate long distances indicates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While males become territorial during breeding season, engaging in singing contests, the Red-flanked Bluetail is generally not highly aggressive. Its shy and elusive nature suggests a more reserved temperament overall.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Red-flanked Bluetail demonstrates good endurance, particularly evident in its long-distance migration from northern Asia to Southeast Asia. Its ability to survive in diverse climates, from temperate to subarctic, also indicates robust endurance.
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.
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
Predators
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'.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Tarsiger cyanurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T105294257A87892860.
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