Plumbeous Water Redstart

Overview

The plumbeous water redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) is a passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is found across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China, and its common name derives from its lead-like colouring.

Identification

• Males are slate blue with a rusty red tail, while females are pale grey with a white rump.
• Typically 14 centimetres in length, with males averaging 22 grams and females 18.8 grams.
• In China, females and first-year males appear more brown on top, potentially forming a separate race.

Habitat

This species inhabits fast-moving streams, nullahs, and rivers featuring shaded boulders and riverbank vegetation, often preferring areas with high insect populations. It is found across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. While it typically lives at high elevations, up to 4,100 metres in the Himalayas, it descends to lower altitudes during winter.

Diet

The bird catches flies in rivers by flying vertically to at least 20 feet above the water surface and then gliding down in a spiral to its original position.

Did you know?

The plumbeous water redstart is highly protective of its territory and will act extremely confrontational towards any trespasser.