Redstart
| Irish Name: | Earrdheargán |
| Scientific name: | Phoenicurus phoenicurus |
| Bird Family: | Chats |
red
Conservation status
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.
Monitored by
Rare breeding bird in Ireland. The breeding population in County Wicklow is very small and sensitive to disturbance.
Most likely to be seen during Autumn migration at coastal headlands, such as Cape Clear in County Cork and Great Saltee Island in County Wexford.
