Species Profile
Red-flanked Bluetail
Tarsiger cyanurus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
13–14 cm
Weight
10–18 g
Wingspan
20–23 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Orange-flanked Bush-robin
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Female Markings
Pale orange flanks and rump, white eyering
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
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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
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'.
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