Güldenstädt's redstart also sometimes called the white-winged redstart, is a species of bird in the genus Phoenicurus, family Muscicapidae. It is found in the high mountains of the southwestern and central Palearctic in the Caucasus, Karakoram, Pamir, Himalaya, Tian Shan, and Altai, in the countries of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Region
Central and Southwest Asian high mountains
Typical Environment
Breeds in the alpine and subalpine zones of the Caucasus, Pamir, Karakoram, Tian Shan, Altai, and Himalayas. Favors rocky slopes, scree and boulder fields, cliff faces, and sparse juniper or rhododendron scrub near snowmelt streams. In winter it descends into foothills, open river valleys, montane scrub, and sometimes village edges and orchards. Often perches on prominent rocks or buildings to scan for prey.
Altitude Range
1500–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the white-winged redstart, this striking high-mountain passerine often tracks the receding snowline in spring and shifts downslope in winter. Males show a bold white wing patch that flashes conspicuously in flight, while both sexes flick their tails frequently like other redstarts. In winter it readily supplements its insect diet with berries such as juniper.
Female at Tilla Lotani (3,800 m) in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between rocks
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during breeding, holding rocky territories with nest sites in crevices, walls, or cliff holes. Generally monogamous; the male advertises from prominent perches and performs fluttering displays. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form at rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A varied, clear series of whistles and short phrases interspersed with dry ticks. The call is a sharp, metallic tek and a soft tacc, often given while tail-flicking.
Plumage
Male is mostly black above with a very large white wing patch and rich rufous-orange underparts and tail; female is warm brown with paler underparts and a rufous tail. Both sexes show a contrasting rufous rump and tail that are frequently flicked.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, taken from the ground, rock surfaces, and low vegetation. Performs short sallies to snatch flying insects and frequently pounces from a rock perch. In autumn and winter, adds berries and small fruits, including juniper and sea-buckthorn.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open rocky slopes, scree edges, alpine meadows, and along streams where invertebrates concentrate. In winter, uses scrubby foothills, riverbanks, field margins, and village outskirts.
