Species Profile
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros
Black Redstart
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Blackstart
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Duller overall coloration compared to males, with a rusty-red tail
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Conservation
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.
Elevation
Sea level to 3,700 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. In urban environments, they face additional threats from rats and corvids.
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
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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