About the Common Redstart
The common redstart, or often simply redstart, is a small passerine bird in the genus Phoenicurus. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, (Turdidae), but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Common Redstart shows some affinity to the European Robin in many of its habits and actions. It has the same general carriage, and chat-like behaviour, and is the same length at 13–14.5 cm long but slightly slimmer and not quite as heavy, weighing 11–23 g. The orange-red tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ("start" is an old word for "tail"), is frequently quivered. Among common European birds, only the black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) has a similarly coloured tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Common Redstart sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in India, United States, South Africa, Rwanda, Afghanistan, South Korea, Monaco.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black RedstartPhoenicurus ochrurosThe black redstart is 13–14.5 cm (5.1–5.7 in) in length and 12–20 g (0.42–0.71 oz) in weight, similar to the common redstart.
Daurian RedstartPhoenicurus auroreusThe Daurian redstart is a small passerine bird from temperate Asia.
Plumbeous Water RedstartPhoenicurus fuliginosusThe plumbeous water redstart is typically 14 centimetres (5.5 in) long in total, with an average weight of 22 grams (0.78 oz) for males and 18.8 grams (0.66 oz) for females.
Side by side: Black Redstart vs Common Redstart
Learn the Common Redstart for real
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