ExploreBirds

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

The Red-flanked Bluetail is a small, colorful bird with bright blue wings and a lovely orange belly. It loves to hop around in the bushes and sing sweet songs in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Red-flanked Bluetail male has a striking bright blue tail, rump, and upperparts, with a black mask and vibrant orange flanks. Its belly is white, contrasting sharply with the rich colors, while females are duller olive-brown with blue tails.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMuscicapidaeGenusTarsiger
Red-flanked Bluetail
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Red-flanked Bluetail

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

During winter, these birds travel from chilly forests to warmer, subtropical lands.

Its bright blue feathers are so vivid, they seem to glow in the shady forest!

Red-flanked Bluetails often nest in tree hollows or old stumps, keeping their eggs safe.

This small bird loves to hop around on the ground, flicking its tail as it searches for food.

Special abilities

Ability

Long-Distance Navigator

Red-flanked Bluetail can migrate thousands of kilometers because of its incredible endurance and innate navigational skills.

Ability

Agile Insect Hunter

Red-flanked Bluetail has keen eyesight and quick reflexes that help them snatch tiny insects from the air or ground.

Ability

Melodious Singer

Red-flanked Bluetail can produce a beautiful, complex song because of its specialized vocal cords, used for attracting mates.

Measurements & details

Length
13-15 cm
Wingspan
20-24 cm
Weight
0.011-0.018 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
14-15 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

This little bird mostly eats insects and spiders, but enjoys some berries too!

Primary Foods

  • Beetles
  • Ants
  • Flies
  • Caterpillars
  • Spiders
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

A primary food source.

eats

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Provides crucial winter berries.

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common aerial predator.

eaten by

Stoat

Mustela erminea

Hunts eggs and young in nests.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and be quiet so you don’t scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-flanked Bluetail?

13-15 cm

What is Red-flanked Bluetail's wingspan?

20-24 cm

How much does Red-flanked Bluetail weigh?

0.011-0.018 kg

How long does Red-flanked Bluetail live?

2-5 years

How fast can Red-flanked Bluetail move?

40 km/h

What does Red-flanked Bluetail eat?

This little bird mostly eats insects and spiders, but enjoys some berries too!

Where is Red-flanked Bluetail usually found?

Forests

How does Red-flanked Bluetail hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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