Species Profile
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Redstart
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: European Redstart, Redstart
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Appearance
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Paler overall with less contrasting plumage than males
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
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.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Gloucestershire
East Riding of Yorkshire
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Shropshire
Surrey
Staffordshire
Worcestershire
Diet
Common Redstarts primarily feed on insects and spiders, which they catch by swooping from a perch or sometimes gleaning from vegetation. Sawflies, ants, wasps and hoverflies are among the chief prey.
During autumn, they supplement their diet with small berries and fruits, especially before and during migration.
Flying insects may also be caught using the ‘sallying’ technique, with male redstarts in particular observed to catch prey mid-flight by hovering or fluttering in pursuit of flies.
Behaviour
Common Redstarts are agile and restless birds, often seen flitting from perch to perch with quick, darting movements. They frequently bob their distinctive orange tails and flick their wings.
These birds are generally solitary outside the breeding season, defending small feeding territories.
Calls & Sounds
The Common Redstart's song is a short, sweet warble, often ending with a flourish. It's described as 'hueet-tick-tick' or a soft whistle followed by a rattle. Their alarm call is a sharp 'huit' often accompanied by tail-flicking.
Males sing prominently during the breeding season, often from exposed perches.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to July, with males arriving at nesting sites before females to establish territories. Males perform display flights and sing to attract mates.
Nests are typically built in tree holes, wall crevices, or nest boxes, constructed mainly by the female using grass, moss, and feathers. The clutch usually consists of 5-7 pale blue eggs, sometimes specked with red-brown markings.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-15 days but remain dependent on adults for another two weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Common Redstart populations have experienced declines in parts of Europe.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats, particularly in managed woodlands and parklands. Climate change and habitat loss in wintering grounds are ongoing concerns.
Elevation
Up to 2,900 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Common Redstarts face predation from various birds of prey, including sparrowhawks and merlins. Ground-nesting pairs are vulnerable to mammalian predators such as foxes and weasels.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive tail-quivering behaviour
- Listen for their soft 'hueet' call and melodious song
- Search in open woodlands, parks, and gardens, especially near the edges
- In the UK, watch for them during spring and summer in suitable habitats
Did You Know?
- Common Redstarts can imitate the calls of other bird species in their song.
- They are one of the earliest migrants to leave Europe in autumn, often departing in August.
- The name 'redstart' comes from the Old English for 'red tail'.
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