Eversmann's redstart, also known as the rufous-backed redstart, is a passerine bird belonging to the genus Phoenicurus. It was formerly classified in the thrush family Turdidae but is now placed in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It was described by the German biologist Eduard Friedrich Eversmann who is commemorated in the bird's English name.
Region
Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies open montane habitats including rocky slopes, scree, juniper and willow scrub, and edges of open conifer or birch woodland. Frequently uses boulder-strewn river gorges and alpine meadows with scattered shrubs. In winter it may move to lower valleys, farmlands, orchards, and village edges. Nests are typically placed in crevices among rocks, stone walls, or building cavities.
Altitude Range
800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Eversmann's redstart, also called the rufous-backed redstart, is a mountain-loving passerine of Central Asia placed in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Males characteristically flick and fan their rufous tails while sallying for insects from rocks and low shrubs. The species was named after the naturalist Eduard Friedrich Eversmann and often descends to villages and gardens in winter.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs during the breeding season, with males defending rocky territories. Nests in cavities or crevices lined with grasses and hair; both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, individuals may loosely associate where food is abundant but generally remain dispersed.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a sweet, varied warble with clear whistles and brief scratchy notes, delivered from a prominent perch or rock. Calls include a sharp tik or tac and a soft chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Male shows a black head, throat, and upper breast contrasting with a rich rufous back and rump, dark wings with a bold pale wing panel, and a bright rufous tail with darker central feathers. Female is brownish-grey above with a warmer rufous tail and rump, and paler underparts with subtle mottling.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, flies, and caterpillars, along with spiders and other small invertebrates. Employs perch-and-sally tactics, dropping to the ground or making short aerial sorties to capture prey. In autumn and winter, it supplements its diet with small berries and seeds when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages from exposed rocks, low shrubs, and along stream margins in open montane terrain. In the non-breeding season it often feeds around human settlements, orchards, and field edges in valleys.
