Redstart

Irish Name: Earrdheargán
Scientific name: Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Bird Family: Chats
red
Conservation status

Status

Rare summer visitor to decidous woodlands in County Wicklow. Scarce passage in spring and autumn mainly to eastern and southern coasts.

Identification

The same size as Robin and Black Redstart. Like the latter species, has rusty red undertail coverts and tail, which is frequently shivered. Adult males are very distinctive, having a blackish face and throat, with an obvious white stripe from the eye across the forehead. The back and mantle are grey, while the underparts are a deep rufous-brown. Adult females and juveniles are inseperable, being a beige brown colour all over.

Voice

Most frequently heard call is a "huit-tic-tic". The song is a richly melodic series of notes delivered at a slow tempo.

Diet

Insects. Feeds mostly in the tree canopy during the breeding season. Migrants feed on the ground when found at coastal headlands.

Breeding

Breeds in extensive insect-rich broadleaf forests in Ireland; in Continental Europe in parks, gardens and pine forests (Scandinavia). Will use nest-boxes.

Wintering

Winters in tropical Africa.

Similar Species

Black Redstart

Irish Name:
Earrdheargán dubh
Scientific name:
Phoenicurus ochruros
Bird Family:
Chats

Robin

Irish Name:
Spideog
Scientific name:
Erithacus rubecula
Bird Family:
Chats