ExploreBirds

Common Redstart

Phoenicurus phoenicurus

The Common Redstart is a small, colorful bird with a bright orange tail. They love to flit around in gardens and forests, singing cheerful songs and catching insects.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Common Redstart male has a striking grey back, a black face with a bright white forehead, and a vibrant rusty-orange chest and tail. Females are duller, mostly grey-brown, but also show a rufous-orange tail, which helps distinguish them.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMuscicapidaeGenusPhoenicurus
Common Redstart
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgecolorful trait badge
Common Redstart

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its name 'redstart' actually means 'red tail' — 'start' is an old English word for tail!

Male Redstarts sing beautiful, warbling songs to attract their mates in spring.

Some Redstarts fly from Europe all the way to central Africa for winter!

They often nest in hollow trees, rock crevices, or even old walls and sheds!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Twitcher

Common Redstart can constantly shiver its bright orange tail because this unique movement often distracts curious predators.

Ability

Insect Hunter

Common Redstart has sharp eyesight and quick reflexes that help them snatch flying insects mid-air with acrobatic skill.

Ability

Long-distance Traveler

Common Redstart can migrate thousands of kilometers because its strong wings enable incredible journeys between continents.

Measurements & details

Length
13-14.5 cm
Wingspan
20-25 cm
Weight
0.011-0.019 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These insect-eating birds help control garden pests and also enjoy yummy berries!

Age differences: Young birds primarily eat insects for rapid growth, while adults supplement with berries, especially before migration.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • flies
  • caterpillars
  • spiders
  • ants
  • berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Known predator of small birds.

eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

Often preys on birds in gardens.

eats

Gypsy Moth

Lymantria dispar

Consumes caterpillars of this pest species.

depends on

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Eats berries, especially pre-migration.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Common Redstart?

13-14.5 cm

What is Common Redstart's wingspan?

20-25 cm

How much does Common Redstart weigh?

0.011-0.019 kg

How long does Common Redstart live?

2-5 years

How fast can Common Redstart move?

35 km/h

What does Common Redstart eat?

These insect-eating birds help control garden pests and also enjoy yummy berries!

Where is Common Redstart usually found?

Forests

How does Common Redstart hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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