The black redstart is a small passerine bird in the genus Phoenicurus. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family (Turdidae), but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher (Muscicapidae). Obsolete common names include Tithys redstart, blackstart and black redtail.
Region
Western Palearctic and Central Asia
Typical Environment
Widespread from western Europe across the Mediterranean and North Africa through the Middle East to Central Asia and the Himalayas, with wintering into northern Africa and South Asia. Occupies rocky slopes, cliffs, quarries, and human-made structures that provide ledges and cavities. Common in towns, industrial zones, and alpine villages. Uses open ground, rubble, and short vegetation for foraging. In mountains it nests on natural rock faces; in lowlands it often selects buildings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 5000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A versatile urban adapter, the black redstart readily nests on buildings, bridges, and industrial sites, mimicking its natural cliff and scree habitats. Males often sing from rooftops, delivering a distinctive, scratchy song with a metallic “tzing” quality. They frequently quiver and fan their fiery red tails while perching. Once considered a thrush, it is now placed among the Old World flycatchers.
Black redstart, Sector 38 West, Chandigarh, India
Egg, collection Museum Wiesbaden
A black redstart pullus, "in pin", in the hands of a licensed bird ringer
Temperament
alert, active, and tolerant of humans
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights and frequent tail flicks
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during breeding; forms loose groups in winter around rich feeding sites. Nests in cavities, crevices, and building nooks, lining nests with fine materials. Typically raises one to two broods per season, with both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a scratchy, wheezy warble often starting with a thin metallic note and ending with a harsh, crackling rattle. Calls include a sharp ‘tick’ or ‘tac’ and a high ‘tzing’, frequently given from exposed perches like rooftops.
Plumage
Male sooty black to dark slate-grey with an orange-red tail and often a small white wing panel; female and immature birds are brownish-grey with the same rufous tail. Plumage appears plain at a distance but shows subtle contrasts up close. Tail is frequently quivered, drawing attention to its bright rufous tones.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. In colder months it supplements with berries and small fruits. Forages by ground-gleaning, short sallying flights, and snatching prey from walls and rock faces.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground, rubble, and rocky areas where prey is visible. Frequently hunts around buildings, construction sites, and cliff bases. Uses perches to watch for prey before quick dashes to the ground.
