The Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) is a small bird. Redstart means red tail.

The Common Redstart is grey with a white forehead and a black throat. Its wings and two central tail feathers are brown, whereas the other tail feathers are orange-red. It has orange on its sides and a white belly. Its beak and legs are black. It has a pale eye-ring.

Common Redstart

It measures 13 centimetres (5 inches) tall.

The Common Redstart is widespread across Europe and western Asia, as well as northwestern Africa and eastern Africa. It prefers woodlands.

It nests in cavities in trees. It prefers trees with moss and lichen on its bark.

Common Redstart

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM