Common Redstart

Phoenicurus phoenicurus

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Brief #

Has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which are orange-chestnut.

Synonyms #

  • Colirrojo real (Spanish)
  • Rabirrubio de testa branca (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Common Redstart is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

The male in summer has a slate-grey head and upperparts, except the rump and tail, which, like the flanks, underwing coverts and axillaries are orange-chestnut. The forehead is white; the sides of the face and throat are black. The wings and the two central tail feathers are brown, the other tail feathers bright orange-red. The orange on the flanks shades to almost white on the belly. The bill and legs are black. In autumn, pale feather fringes on the body feathering obscures the colours of the male, giving it a washed-out appearance. The female is browner, with paler underparts; it lacks the black and slate, and the throat is whitish.

Measurements #

Length: 13 - 15 cm
Wingspan: 20 - 24 cm
Weight: 15 - 15 g

Similar species #