Features& Description
The Black Redstart, from its Latin name Phoenicurus ochruros, is a small, slender, insectivorous bird of the rattle-tail family.
The male is very different in plumage from the female: it has a black mask and a black breast turning to dark gray under the belly, the top of the head is dirty gray.
The tail is brick-colored, clearly visible on takeoff or landing, often extended.
Females and first-year young have brownish-gray backs.
A white spot is clearly visible on the male’s wings, especially when landing.
Habitat(Biotope)
The Black Redstart is a bird that likes rocky mountain areas, slopes with thick undergrowth and, at lower altitudes, the buildings of towns and villages that act as rock faces.
It can often be seen on the lake, perched on the roof of a building or in the middle of infrastructure.
Behavior& habits
The Black Redstart is easy to spot, as it’s a rather shy bird that sings when it’s in plain sight, and doesn’t try to hide.
In towns and rural villages in spring, it is often present and its song sometimes drowns out the ambient noise.
From its perch, it surveys the surrounding ground for prey, which it targets in direct flight. On the ground, it hops along.
Reproductionand immature
The Black Redstart is a semi-cavernicolous bird. It builds its nest in buildings, sheltered under a roof, in a corner of a frame or on a beam.
The female lays 4 to 6 eggs, which hatch after 15 days.
The young stay with the parents to feed for 15 days to 3 weeks.
Cryor Voice
The Black Redstart emits a sharp, incisive “vist” whistle, often repeated impatiently.
When alarmed, it adds a discreet “vist-tk-tk-tk” click.
Its song is sonorous and emitted from the top of a building or from a perch; it resembles the sound of crushed glass punctuated by short whistles “sisruï-till-ill-ill-ill… (krrrrchhh) sruïsvisvi”.
Black Redstart
Black Redstart Female
