- Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Identification
The eye-catching red tail separates the Redstart from all other small birds except the darker, duller Black Redstart. Even the dullest female Redstarts have a pale throat and hints of orange in their underparts, unlike Black Redstarts.
Distribution
Breeds over much of Britain (except parts of eastern England, rarely in Ireland) and from north and central Spain and France east to the Urals and Caspian. Breeds over most of Scandinavia except extreme north coast, in the Caucasus and most of Turkey and in a few scattered sites in North-West Africa. May have bred in Cyprus and Syria.
A summer visitor to the Region arriving in April-May and departing from late August with some still on passage in October. Passage birds occur throughout North Africa and the Middle East, winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Vagrants recorded on Bear Island and Iceland and south to the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde Islands.
Taxonomy
The nominate phoenicurus occurs over most of the range with samamiscus in Turkey and the Caucasus which differs in having a conspicuous white wing patch in male. This race occurs regularly on passage in the Middle East but as a rare vagrant to Europe west to Britain and France.
Habitat
Mainly deciduous or mixed woodland, fairly open, with old trees to provide nest-holes. In some areas also in coniferous woodland, heathland and scrubby areas with scattered large trees. Sometimes in parks and large gardens, occurs in upland areas up to 2000m.
Behaviour
5-6 light blue eggs are laid.
The diet includes insects which are aerially hawked. Berries, worms and spiders are also taken.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Phoenicurus phoenicurus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
Wikipedia; RSPB
