Przevalski's redstart, also known as the Ala Shan redstart, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to China.
Region
North-central China
Typical Environment
Found in the Ala Shan/Helan Shan ranges and adjacent parts of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu. Prefers arid to semi-arid montane landscapes with scattered shrubs, rocky slopes, and cliff faces. Often uses ravines, juniper and willow scrub near streams, and forest edge mosaics with open ground. Nests in rock crevices, walls, or natural cavities and forages in nearby open patches. Outside the breeding season it may descend slightly to lower, brushy foothills.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Przevalski's redstart (Ala Shan redstart) is a small Old World flycatcher restricted to north-central China. Males show a bold white wing patch and rich rufous tail that flashes in flight. It frequents rocky gullies, juniper scrub, and open montane slopes, often sallying out to catch insects. It can be locally common where suitable shrub cover and rock crevices are available for nesting.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies
Social Behavior
Breeds in isolated pairs, with males singing from prominent rocks or shrub tops to defend territories. Nests are placed in crevices, cavities, or sheltered holes, lined with grass and hair. Both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, individuals may be loosely associated in suitable foraging areas but do not form large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles interspersed with short trills and scratchy notes, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include a sharp tick or chak used as an alarm, often accompanied by tail flicking.
Plumage
Male shows a black face and throat with a pale grey crown and mantle, a striking white wing patch, and rich orange-rufous underparts and tail. Female is brownish-grey above with paler underparts, a warm rufous tail, and a faint or reduced wing patch. Both sexes display the characteristic redstart tail-flicking behavior.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, flies, ants, and caterpillars, captured by flycatching sallies or gleaned from ground and low shrubs. Will also pick spiders and other small invertebrates from rock faces and vegetation. In cooler months it supplements with small berries, including juniper and other arid-land fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages along rocky slopes, shrublands, and gully edges where perches and open patches are interspersed. Often hunts from low rocks or shrub tops, dropping to the ground or making short aerial sorties.
