Black redstart

The black redstart, also known as Tithy's redstart, blackstart, or black redtail, is a charming small bird that belongs to the redstart genus, Phoenicurus. Initially thought to be part of the thrush family, it is now classified as an Old World flycatcher. Samuel Gottlieb Gmelin first described this species in 1774, and Thomas Forster introduced the genus Phoenicurus in 1817. The name comes from Ancient Greek, highlighting the bird’s distinctive tail color.

This bird is part of a temperate Eurasian group that includes other redstart species. It has several subspecies, mainly differing in the coloration of the adult males' underparts. These subspecies are categorized based on their appearance, geographical distribution, and genetic information. You can find black redstarts breeding in South and Central Europe, Asia, and Northwest Africa. While some remain in their breeding grounds year-round, others migrate to spend the winter in different parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

In Britain, the black redstart is primarily seen passing through or visiting during winter, although there is a small breeding population. They have adapted well to urban environments, often nesting in building crevices or holes. These birds feed on insects and have a distinctive, robin-like movement. The males are known for their unique rattling song and calls. Birds from the eastern subspecies are rare visitors to Western Europe.