Belongs to: thrushes and chats
Compare with: common redstart
Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
BoCC Red list
Best time to see: mid Apr to end Aug
Key facts
A mountain bird that has adapted to nest in urban habitats, including on buildings alongside the Thames
A rare breeding bird in Britain, and in spring and autumn may also be seen almost anywhere passing through
Gets its name from its red tail, which is very conspicuous in flight
Recognition
Orange-red tail and vent, and otherwise grey-black; juveniles are tinged brown, with a dull red tail
Upright stance with a rather pot-bellied look
Red tail is very conspicuous in flight
© Jerzy Strzelecki