Species Profile
Plumbeous Water-redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
12–15 cm
Weight
13–23 g
Wingspan
23–26 cm
Migration
Altitudinal migrant
Also known as: Plumbeous Redstart
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Appearance
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Paler underparts, lacks white wing patch
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
Plumbeous Water-redstarts inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, rivers and cascades across the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia. They are found in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, typically in forested or rocky areas with clear, rushing water.
During winter, some populations move to lower elevations, but the species is generally non-migratory.
Distribution
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation
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.
Population
Estimated: Not quantified, but common in northern Pakistan and India and scarce to locally common in south-east Asia[3]
Trend: Stable[2]
Elevation
300 to 4,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and falcons, as well as snakes and small mammals that can access their nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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
Did You Know?
- Plumbeous Water-redstarts can swim short distances underwater to escape danger.
- Their feet are adapted for gripping slippery rocks in fast-flowing streams.
- Despite their name, they are more closely related to Old World flycatchers than to true redstarts.
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