The blue-fronted redstart is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, the Old World flycatchers. It breeds in central China and the Himalayas (where it winters in the southern foothills, as well as in southern Yunnan, the Patkai and northern Indochina. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. The female is brownish-grey, with paler underparts.
Region
Himalayas and Central China
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane coniferous and mixed forests, rhododendron scrub, and open alpine meadows from the western Himalayas through Tibet and central China. In winter it descends to the southern Himalayan foothills and moves into northern parts of Indochina, including Yunnan and adjacent ranges. Prefers forest edges, clearings, rocky slopes, and shrublands near streams. Frequently forages in open patches interspersed with bushes and scattered trees.
Altitude Range
1000–4700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-fronted redstart is a high-altitude songbird that breeds across the Himalayas and central China, then moves downslope or southward in winter. Males are striking with cobalt-blue heads and bright rufous underparts, while females are plain and brownish-grey. It often wags its tail and makes short sallies from low perches to catch insects. In winter it readily uses forest edges, gardens, and terraced fields near human habitation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males defending territories and singing from exposed perches. Nests are placed in crevices, banks, or holes, lined with fine plant material. Outside the breeding season it may occur loosely with other insectivores in mixed flocks and uses a wider range of semi-open habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, musical series of whistles and brief trills delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include thin, high-pitched tseep notes and sharper ticking alarm calls.
Plumage
Male with deep cobalt-blue head, throat, and upperparts contrasting with bright rufous-orange underparts and tail; wings dark. Female brownish-grey above with paler, buffy underparts and subdued rufous tones on the tail.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods, taken by sallying, hover-gleaning, and ground-gleaning. In colder months it supplements its diet with small berries and other soft fruits when insects are scarce. It often returns repeatedly to favored perches between foraging bouts.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, shrubby slopes, stream margins, open glades, and rocky pastures. In winter it also uses cultivated terraces, gardens, and village outskirts with scattered shrubs and trees.
