The common redstart, or often simply 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.
Region
Europe and Western Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely from the British Isles and Scandinavia through much of central and eastern Europe into western Siberia and the Caucasus. Prefers open woodlands, forest edges, parklands, orchards and well-treed gardens, especially with birch, oak or pine. Nests in cavities in trees, walls or nest boxes. Winters across the Sahel and savanna zones of sub-Saharan Africa, using dry woodland and scrub. Occurs on passage in Mediterranean scrub, hedgerows and coastal thickets.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males show a striking black face with a crisp white forehead and a vivid orange-red tail that they often quiver. Females are subtler brown but share the characteristic rufous tail. Common redstarts readily use nest boxes and natural cavities. They breed across Europe and western Asia and migrate to sub-Saharan Africa for the non-breeding season.
Female
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically breeds solitarily with pairs defending territories. Cavity nester using natural holes or nest boxes; both parents feed the young. Usually raises one brood, occasionally two in favorable years. On migration it may gather loosely in feeding areas but does not form tight flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Male delivers a sweet, slightly scratchy warble that starts with clear notes and ends with a rough, wheezy phrase. Contact calls include a soft 'huit' and a ticking 'tac'. Song is given from exposed perches and sometimes during short display flights.
Plumage
Male with grey upperparts, black face and throat, white forehead, orange-red breast and tail; female warm brown above with paler underparts and the same rufous tail. Both sexes show clean, contrasting tones and a constantly flicked tail.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods, including beetles, flies, caterpillars and spiders. Hunts by sallying out from a perch to snatch prey in the air or by gleaning from foliage and the ground. In late summer and autumn it also eats berries such as elder and juniper, especially before migration.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, orchards and large gardens with scattered trees. Uses low to mid-level perches, fence lines and stumps to launch short hunting sallies. During winter, favors open woodland and scrub in the African savanna.
