COMMON REDSTART
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
DESCRIPTION
The Common Redstart is a small passerine bird known for its striking plumage and lively behavior. Males are particularly notable for their bright orange-red tail and underparts, while females are more subdued in color.
FUN FACTS
- Common Redstarts are known for their distinctive tail flicking behavior | They are often seen perched prominently while foraging | Their song is a series of melodious notes that can be quite pleasant
QUICK INFO
Lifespan3-5 years in the wild
Average Weight12-20 g
Average Length14-15 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous during the breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- These birds are typically found in open woodlands, gardens, and scrub areas. They prefer habitats with a mix of trees and open spaces for foraging.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- The Common Redstart breeds across Europe and parts of Asia, migrating to Africa for the winter.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa
- Countries
- United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Turkey
- Diet
- Common Redstarts primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates, but they may also consume fruits and berries. They are often seen foraging in trees and shrubs.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, berries
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous during the breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
VU
12-20 g
Weight
14-15 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males have a striking orange-red tail and underparts, with a greyish back and white wing bars; females are brownish with less vibrant coloration.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more colorful than females.
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-6
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is generally stable, but local declines have been noted in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanization poses a threat to their populations. Climate change may also impact their migratory patterns.
- Predators
- Cats, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often use evasive flight and camouflage to avoid predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare