The white-capped redstart or white-capped water redstart is a passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae native to the Indian Subcontinent,Southeast Asia, much of China, and to certain regions of Central Asia.
Region
Himalayas and East Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Indian Subcontinent across the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and much of central and southern China, reaching parts of Central Asia. It is closely tied to fast-flowing rivers, rocky streams, gorges, and waterfalls, often where large boulders provide perching and nesting sites. In winter it may descend to foothills, reservoirs, and irrigation canals with running water. It tolerates some human presence and can be seen near villages and bridges spanning mountain streams.
Altitude Range
500–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the river chat or white-capped water redstart, it frequents fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers. Both sexes show a striking white crown, and the species often perches on boulders, bobbing and flicking its tail. It makes altitudinal movements, breeding higher in summer and descending to lower valleys in winter. Nests are usually placed in crevices, under bridges, or on ledges close to water.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs defending linear stretches of riverbank. Breeds in cavities, crevices, or man-made structures near water, building a cup nest of moss and plant fibers. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Clear, ringing whistles mixed with sharp chatters delivered from prominent perches on riverside rocks. Alarm calls are harsh, metallic chips, often given while tail-flicking.
Plumage
Crisp white crown and nape contrasting with glossy black head, back, and breast; vivid rufous-chestnut rump, underparts, and tail. Wings are blackish with subtle pale edges; tail largely rufous with some darker central tones. Females are browner and duller overall but retain the distinctive pale to white crown.
Diet
Primarily feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, beetles, and flies, along with their larvae. It also takes small spiders and other invertebrates gleaned from wet rocks and banks. Prey is captured by perch-and-sally flights over water or by picking from surfaces near the waterline.
Preferred Environment
Boulder-strewn river margins, cascades, and rapid channels with exposed rocks and logs. It often forages on slick rock faces, sandbars, and along the spray zone of waterfalls, and will use canals or spillways with fast current.
