Hodgson's redstart is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae.
Region
Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Breeds in alpine and subalpine zones, favoring rocky slopes, scree, willow and juniper scrub, and stream edges above treeline. In the non-breeding season it moves downslope to open woodland, forest edge, terraced farmland, and village margins. Occurs from northern India and Nepal through Bhutan and southern Tibet into western China (e.g., Sichuan, Yunnan). It selects perches on boulders and low shrubs to sally after insects and drops to the ground to glean prey. Wintering birds commonly frequent sunny, sheltered valleys.
Altitude Range
1000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hodgson's redstart is a small Old World flycatcher of high mountain regions across the Himalayas and adjacent Tibetan Plateau. It often flicks and fans its rufous tail while foraging, a classic redstart behavior. In winter it descends to valleys and can be seen around villages and fields, showing little fear of people. It is named after the British naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson, who worked extensively in Nepal.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories with song and perch displays. Nests in cavities or crevices among rocks, walls, or earth banks, lined with fine plant material and hair. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and both parents feed the young. In winter it may occur loosely with other small insectivores in open habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Male delivers a bright, buzzy warble interspersed with thin whistles and scratchy notes, often from a rock or shrub. Calls include sharp ticks and a soft, metallic seep. Song is repeated at intervals, especially at dawn in the breeding season.
Plumage
Compact redstart with a proportionally long, rufous tail and upright stance. Males show a contrasting dark head and upper breast with rich orange underparts and tail; females are brownish-olive above with warmer buff underparts and rufous tail. Both sexes often flick the tail, revealing a darker central tail shaft. Subtle pale edges on the wing coverts can form a faint wing panel.
Diet
Primarily hunts small insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and caterpillars, taken by sallying from low perches or gleaning off the ground and rocks. Will also pick spiders and other small arthropods from vegetation. In colder months it supplements with small berries and seeds when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along rocky streams, alpine scrub, and open slopes with scattered shrubs and boulders. In winter it forages at field edges, village gardens, and sunny valley bottoms with low perches and open ground.
