Eversmann's Redstart
Phoenicurus erythronotus
The Eversmann's Redstart (Phoenicurus erythronotus) is a rare chats, old world flycatchers, and alli found in 16 countries, weighing about 19 g. Eversmann's redstart, also known as the rufous-backed redstart, is a passerine bird belonging to the genus Phoenicurus.
About the Eversmann's Redstart
Eversmann's redstart, also known as the rufous-backed redstart, is a passerine bird belonging to the genus Phoenicurus. It was formerly classified in the thrush family Turdidae but is now placed in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It was described by the German biologist Eduard Friedrich Eversmann who is commemorated in the bird's English name.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It is one of the larger redstarts, 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) long with a wingspan of 25.5 to 27 cm (10.0 to 10.6 in) and weigh 15 to 22 g (0.53 to 0.78 oz). The bill and legs are black. The male in breeding plumage has a black mask and grey crown and nape. The back and rump are rufous and the tail is also rufous apart from the darker central feathers. The wings are dark with white patches on the scapulars and primary-coverts. The underparts are mainly rufous with white on the belly and undertail-coverts. Non-breeding and first-winter males are similar but much duller and browner.
What the Eversmann's Redstart sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Saudi Arabia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Eversmann's Redstart?
- It is one of the larger redstarts, 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) long with a wingspan of 25.5 to 27 cm (10.0 to 10.6 in) and weigh 15 to 22 g (0.53 to 0.78 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Eversmann's Redstart?
- The Eversmann's Redstart is a small sized bird weighing about 19 g.
- Where can you see an Eversmann's Redstart?
- The Eversmann's Redstart occurs in 16 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, India and Iran.
- What does an Eversmann's Redstart sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Eversmann's Redstart on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Eversmann's Redstart?
- The Eversmann's Redstart is most easily confused with the White-throated Redstart, the Przevalski's Redstart and the Moussier's Redstart.
- Is the Eversmann's Redstart endangered?
- The Eversmann's Redstart is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Eversmann's Redstart for real
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