The Luzon water redstart, also known as the Luzon redstart, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found primarily on Luzon with no records in Mindoro since 1965. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest, tropical moist montane forest, and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Northern Philippines (Luzon)
Typical Environment
Occurs along rocky, forested rivers and streams on Luzon, particularly in the Cordillera Central and parts of the Sierra Madre. It favors clear, fast, boulder-strewn torrents with overhanging vegetation and nearby forest or dense scrub. Birds perch on midstream rocks, exposed roots, and low branches, making short sallies over the water. It avoids heavily silted or altered waterways and is absent from degraded lowland rivers.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A river-specialist, it lives along clear, fast-flowing mountain streams and is very sensitive to siltation and pollution—its presence often indicates high water quality. Pairs defend linear stretches of stream, frequently tail-bobbing from boulders and low perches. Habitat loss from logging, mining runoff, and infrastructure near rivers has driven marked declines.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs defending linear territories along streams. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in crevices, banks, or sheltered ledges near water. Likely monogamous during the breeding season, with both adults attending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters interspersed with sharp tseep notes, delivered from prominent streamside perches. Calls are crisp and penetrating, often given while tail-bobbing.
