Black Redstart

Overview

The black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family that is a widespread breeder in rocky habitats across Eurasia and North Africa. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is resident in the milder parts of its range, while northern and eastern populations migrate.

Identification

• 13–14.5 cm in length and 12–20 g in weight, similar in size to the common redstart.
• Adult males have dark grey to black upperparts and a black breast, with orange-red lower rump and tail; western subspecies have blackish-grey bellies and a whitish wing panel, while eastern subspecies have orange-red bellies and all-blackish wings.
• Females are grey to grey-brown with an orange-red tail and distinctive grey axillaries and underwing coverts.
• The male sings a rattling song and makes a tick call.

Habitat

It is a widespread breeder in south and central Europe and Asia and north-west Africa, ranging from Great Britain and Ireland to Morocco and central China. The species originally inhabited stony mountain ground and cliffs but has expanded to urban and industrial habitats that provide bare areas and cliff-like structures. In Britain, it is most common as a passage and winter visitor, with only 20–50 breeding pairs.

Diet

The bird catches passing insects in flight and forages in coastal tide-wrack for flies or tiny crustaceans. It displays quick, robin-like ducks of the head and body and often flicks its tail while hunting.

Did you know?

The black redstart is not closely related to the common redstart, and although the two European species have not evolved fertilisation barriers, they can produce apparently fertile and viable hybrids. Its scientific name is derived from Ancient Greek, with 'Phoenicurus' meaning red-tailed and 'ochruros' referring to pale yellow.