Bird Guide

Plumbeous Water Redstart vs White-capped Redstart

Plumbeous Water Redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus)

Plumbeous Water Redstart

Phoenicurus fuliginosus

Small20 gRiverine

The 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. The male birds are slate blue in colour with a tail that is rusty red. On the other hand, female birds are pale grey and feature a white rump.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: angryphyco · CC BY 4.0
White-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus)

White-capped Redstart

Phoenicurus leucocephalus

Small30 gRiverine

Both sexes are black with red underparts and white crown atop their heads. Males have a larger white pattern on top of the head and brown or red spots under the wings. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, as well as some adjoining areas. The species ranges across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jagdish Singh Negi · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Plumbeous Water Redstart and White-capped Redstart.