Similar size to a Robin but they have a longer tail that they will constantly quiver up and down. Their tail and rump are a bright orange-red in both males and females. Male birds will have blue-grey upperparts and a black face and throat whilst the female is a warm brown all over.
Female Redstart and Black Redstart can look very similar but the Black Redstart female is 'colder' in colour with much more grey in their plumage.
Their main diet is insects such as flies, beetles, moths and ants but will also feed on fruits in late Summer to supplement their diet.
They nest in tree cavities within oak or mixed woodland, parkland and sometimes within rocky crags which have suitable crevices.
Nesting begins in early May when the female begins building the nest from grass and moss. She will then incubate the eggs for 14 days and then both parents will feed the chicks until they are fully independent. They will typically have one brood but can have two.
On average, they live for two years but the oldest was over eight years old.
Yes, they come to the UK in summer to breed and will winter in West Africa.
No, but they are found mainly in the north and west, particularly in Wales.
April and May.
Late August.
