# Black Redstart (*Phoenicurus ochruros*) The Black Redstart is a small, lively bird with a beautiful gray body and a bright orange tail. It loves to hop around gardens and parks, singing cheerful songs that make the world feel happy. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Black Redstart](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Black_Redstart_bird.jpg&width=800) Photo: Siva301in, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Redstart_bird.jpg) ## Appearance The Black Redstart has a distinctive sooty grey body for males, while females are duller brown. Both sexes display a striking, constantly quivering orange-red tail. This vibrant tail contrasts with their dark plumage, making them easily identifiable. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Muscicapidae - **Genus:** Phoenicurus ## Interesting facts - Black Redstarts were among the first birds to return to bombed cities, earning them the nickname 'phoenix bird'! - Male Black Redstarts sing a scratchy song that often includes mimicry of other birds or even human sounds! - Their scientific name, 'ochruros', means 'red tail', celebrating their most striking feature! - They often choose surprising nesting spots, like abandoned machinery, old walls, or even window boxes! ## Special abilities - **Tail Flash Signal:** Black Redstarts have a brightly coloured, constantly quivering tail that helps them communicate and possibly distract predators. - **Urban Nest Builder:** Black Redstarts can build nests in human-made structures, like buildings and ruins, helping them thrive in cities. - **Agile Insect Hunter:** Black Redstarts can expertly catch insects in mid-air or snatch them from surfaces, thanks to their quick flight and sharp eyes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 13-15 cm - **Wingspan:** 23-27 cm - **Weight:** 0.014-0.019 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-6 - **Incubation:** 12-14 days - **Migration Distance:** 2000 km ## Diet & Feeding These clever birds love to snack on insects and spiders, but enjoy berries and seeds too! - **Primary Foods:** Insects, Spiders, Berries, Small Fruits, Seeds - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Often preyed upon in urban environments. - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Sparrowhawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-sparrowhawk) (*Accipiter nisus*) — A common raptor predator across its range. - **Hunts:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Eats various invertebrates like spiders. - **Hunts:** European Earwig (*Forficula auricularia*) — Preys on insects found on walls and ground. - **Depends on:** European Rowan (*Sorbus aucuparia*) — Eats its berries, especially in autumn and winter. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Black Redstart? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Black Redstart? 13-15 cm ### What is Black Redstart's wingspan? 23-27 cm ### How much does Black Redstart weigh? 0.014-0.019 kg ### How long does Black Redstart live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Black Redstart move? 60 km/h ### What does Black Redstart eat? These clever birds love to snack on insects and spiders, but enjoy berries and seeds too! ### Where is Black Redstart usually found? Urban areas ## Where to spot - [Wildpark Bruderhaus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wildpark-bruderhaus) — Zurich, CH · Zoo - [Picos de Europa National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/picos-de-europa-national-park) — Spain, ES · National Park - [Jardín del Turia](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jard-n-del-turia) — Spain, ES · Park [View all places to see Black Redstart](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/black-redstart) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Black Redstart: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-redstart)