Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Redstarts used to be part of the chat and thrush (Turdidae) family, which includes Blackbirds, Robins and Song thrushes, but are now classified as an Old World flycatcher (Muscicpidae). They are quite petite, only around the same size as a Robin. As summer visitors to the UK, they can be observed in north and west of the UK, with higher concentrations in Wales; it is possible to view them as far north as the extreme of Scotland. There are approximately 100,000 breeding pairs, which is a relatively low number in comparison to more common UK birds: Robins, for instance, number approximately 6,700,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
Similar in appearance to a Robin (one comment suggesting a Redstart is like a “Ninja Robin”, with its striking dark black band across the front of the face). The males, however, are very “smart” in appearance, with an orange rump and chest, and a grey upperpart covering on top. Females, to the contrary, are slightly duller with less emphasis on such bright red colouring, a principal characteristic of males.
Unfortunately, Redstarts are a declining species and, as such, have been classified on the Amber List as a species in decline.
Diet
Redstarts feed mainly on insects, spiders and berries.
Taxonomy
It would be easy to look at the Latinate term Phoenicurus phoenicurus and think of this as relating to sound (i.e. Phoenician); however, the Redstart doesn’t have a memorable song, and is somewhat a dull affair, which always ends in a feeble manner.
What Phoenicurus is, from its original translation, is a combination of two ancient Greek terms: “phoinix”, which means “red”, and “-ouros”, meaning “tailed”; so, a very straightforward name i.e. red-tailed, or, as it is known now, Redstart.
Location, habitat and behaviour
Redstarts favour environments with open oak and birch woodland, hedgerows and parkland; if the trees are suitably mature, they may contain holes which are usually ideal for nesting. In your garden, you will be hard-pressed to find one, but, if you do, there are some suggestions for potential bird food below.
They are only ever summer visitors to the UK, arriving in April from western Asia and northwest Africa (Morocco). They breed in Britain in upland broadleaf woodland areas and hedgerow trees. Once in the UK (males arrive a few days prior to females), they begin their breeding process and produce approximately five or six light blue-coloured eggs. Redstarts depart the UK around mid-August and return to their warmer climates in Africa and Asia for the winter.
What is the difference between a Common redstart and a Black redstart?
Redstarts have bright red underparts, black facial features and a smooth grey colouring that starts at the crown and ends at the tip of the tail. Black redstarts, in contrast, are much darker in colour, with only hints of red on the tail. See the difference below.
Black redstart – Phoenicurus ochruros
Common redstart – Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Had a pair of redstarts breeding in my bird box just off my patio.dont know how many but all flew off.
Have seen an immature Redstart male in woodland in Argyll today the 9th Dec, can that happen?
We are sure we have red starts in our hedge row in telford but it is january and this is not time for them. They seem to be around all year.
I saw a redstart just north of Bristol on 6th February 2020. I’m not sure if it was a female or a young male though I have been told that a male at this time of year would probably have more mature plumage. I was also told that redstarts don’t arrive until April. But it was definitely a redstart – that flicking red brown tail is unmistakable!
Seen a black bird that closely resembled a Painted Redstart with a red/ dark orange chest and the wings that resemble a hummingbird wing. This was within the Ebbw Vale, Wales region of the UK in a residential garden, 10 June 2020 during lockdown.
I have today managed to get some pictures of a male Redstart which has been on my smallholding for a couple of weeks. Much to my amazement there was also a female too. I guess these will shortly be migrating for the winter. I am so proud to see them and hope they return next year.
There has been a female redstart at the front of our house the past couple of days, stroud in Gloucestershire.
Had a Redstart in my garden the weekend for the first time. I am in Birmingham and it is quite built up!! Beautiful little bird.
In Herefordshire we have a pair of redstarts nesting in an old apple tree in the orchard. Beautiful birds with lovely song. Hope we can arrest their decline.
Just seen a redstart in my garden in Galashiels in Scottish Borders 19th October 21 wow what a privilege, what a beautiful looking bird never seen one before,had to look it up in my book .does this mean that it’ll be staying here over the winter ? .
We have a Common Redstart that shelters with us in the colder months (In Spain). We have a galeria open to solarium stairs, she comes in for the night times during windy, stormy or extra cold and roosts on an electrical connections box. This is the 3rd winter and I was wondering how long they live for. I say hallow to her when I go out to the freezer we have there.