The white-bellied redstart is a species of bird of the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam, where its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Region
Himalayas and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Breeds in temperate montane broadleaf and mixed forests with dense undergrowth, rhododendron and bamboo thickets, and along shaded ravines. In winter it descends to lower elevations and spreads into northern parts of mainland Southeast Asia, favoring scrubby forest edges and secondary growth. It keeps close to the ground and uses dense cover for foraging and nesting. Proximity to streams or damp gullies is common throughout its range.
Altitude Range
200–3800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the white-bellied redstart often remains hidden in dense thickets, revealing itself by a loud, clear song. Males show a striking contrast of dark bluish upperparts and a pure white belly with a rufous tail they flick and fan while foraging. It breeds in temperate montane forests of the Himalayas and central China and winters farther south in Southeast Asia. Genetic studies moved it from the monotypic genus Hodgsonius to Calliope.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and darting through cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, holding well-defined territories. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or on banks, constructed as neat cups of grasses and leaves. Clutches are small to moderate, and both parents attend the young. Outside breeding, it remains solitary but may occur loosely near other understory birds in good habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, clear series of whistles and rich warbles delivered from concealed perches or low songposts. Calls include sharp ticks and chatters when alarmed.
Plumage
Male with dark slaty-blue upperparts, crisp white belly and vent, and rich rufous tail contrasting with darker central tail feathers; female is warm brown above with buffy underparts and a paler belly. Both sexes show fairly plain, smooth plumage textures suited to dense cover.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and other small arthropods. It also takes spiders and occasionally small snails. In the non-breeding season it may supplement its diet with small berries or other soft fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground in dense understory, leaf litter, and low scrub. Often works along shaded ravines, bamboo patches, rhododendron thickets, and forest edges where cover is thick.
