Plumbeous Water-redstart

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.