Phoenicurus phoenicurus
The Common Redstart is a small, slender bird with a distinctive orange-red tail that it frequently quivers. Males sport a striking black face, white forehead, and blue-grey upperparts, contrasting with their vibrant orange-red breast and flanks.
Females and juveniles are more subdued, with brown upperparts and a pale buff breast. Both sexes retain the characteristic orange tail, though it's slightly duller in females and young birds. Females also have a narrow, white ring visible around the eye.
Length
13cm to 14.5cm
Wingspan
20cm to 24cm
Weight
11g to 23g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Common Redstarts inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and gardens across Europe and western Asia. They prefer areas with a mix of mature trees and open ground for foraging.
These birds are summer visitors to most of their breeding range, including the UK, where they arrive in April and May. They spend winters in sub-Saharan Africa, making them true long-distance migrants.
Wales and northern England are particular 'hotspots' for breeding Redstarts, with other breeding populations in north-west Scotland as well as isolated spots across south-western England.
Up to 2,900 meters
Temperate, Subarctic, Mediterranean
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Redstart. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you: