Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin namePhoenicurus phoenicurus FamilyChats and thrushes (Turdidae) OverviewRedstarts are immediately identifiable by their bright orange-red tails, which they often quiver. Breeding males look smart, with slate grey upper parts, black faces and wings, and an orange rump and chest. Females and young are duller. Redstarts 'bob' in a very robin-like manner, but spend little time at ground level. It is included on the Amber List as species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe where it is declining. Where to see themMainly found in the north and west of the UK, with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Particularly likes oak woodlands, also hedgerows, alongside streams and parkland. On passage in is best looked for in coastal scrub, thickets and woodland. When to see themApril to September What they eatMainly insects; also spiders, worms and berries. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
|---|
| - | 101,000 pairs | - | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out more
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |