Redstart

The quivering tail

The redstart takes its name from the Old English steort meaning tail — its bright orange-red tail (shared by both sexes) is constantly quivered in a distinctive trembling motion. This tail-shivering is visible from a distance and is the easiest way to identify the species. The tail’s bright colour may function in mate attraction and in distracting predators.

A summer visitor

Redstarts arrive in Britain in late April from wintering grounds in the Sahel zone of sub-Saharan Africa. They are birds of ancient oak woodland — particularly the sessile oak woods of Wales (where they are called “redstart country”) and the Lake District. These habitats provide the old trees with natural holes essential for nest sites. The species has declined across much of lowland England as suitable woodland has diminished.

Male plumage

The male is one of Britain’s most beautiful birds: slate-grey back and crown, bright orange underparts and tail, black face and throat, and white forehead. Freshly arrived males in spring are exceptionally bright. Females are brown above with a pale buff breast, but share the distinctive orange tail.

Black redstart

The black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a separate species — a bird of rocky habitats and urban environments (bomb sites, industrial estates, power stations) where it is a rare but increasing breeder. Unlike the common redstart, it is resident in some British areas year-round.