Black Redstart Vs Redstart: Key Differences Explained
The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) and the Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), also known as the Common Redstart, are two closely related species of small birds. It can be difficult to distinguish between the two if seen from far off.
However, there are enough differences to make a positive identification possible if you know what to look for. In this article we’ll take a close look at those differences, highlighting each one allowing you to be certain of which bird you have observed.
Keep reading to find out more about the differences between the Redstart and the Black Redstart.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Male Redstarts have a distinctive black face and throat with a white patch on their foreheads
- Redstarts have a bright orange breast and tail
- Black Redstarts have black-grey breasts and an orange tail
- Black Redstarts are often found in urban or industrial areas
- Redstarts are usually found in woodland areas
- Black Redstarts tend to nest in cavities in rock faces, caves or on ledges or industrial buildings
- Redstarts nest in tree cavities and old woodpecker holes as well as nesting boxes
- Redstarts are summer visitors to the UK and leave in September
- Black Redstarts tend to arrive in the autumn and overwinter in the UK
What Is The Difference Between A Black Redstart And A Redstart?
Both Redstarts and Black Redstarts are members of the Chat family, both are of a similar size and weight, and both have a redtail from which they get their names. However, there are enough differences to enable a positive distinction between the two. These differences include;
Visual Differences
As with many birds, it’s the males of both of these birds that are the most colourful.
Male Black Redstarts have a dark grey or blackish body, an orange-red tail, lighter wing patches and pale grey underparts.
Females and juveniles are grey-brown with a hint of orange on the tail.
Male Redstarts have a bright orange breast, a black throat and face, a white patch on their foreheads, a grey back, grey wings and an orange tail.
Females and juveniles have more muted colourings with grey-brown bodies and orange tails.
Differences In Habitat
Black Redstarts Prefer urban environments, rocky areas, or cliffs. They are often seen in cities and industrial areas, particularly in Central and Southern Europe. They were originally mountain dwellers but have adapted to urban settings.
Black Redstarts are mainly migratory birds in the UK, arriving in late autumn and spending the winter here before returning to central Europe and Asia every spring.
Redstarts prefer woodland areas, gardens, and open countryside with trees. They are typically more common in rural or forested areas across Europe. Their habitat of choice will be mature oak woodlands and hedgerows of western areas in the UK.
Redstarts are summer visitors to the UK arriving around April and leaving in September when they migrate to central parts of Africa.
Nests & Eggs
Black Redstarts nest in crevices, on ledges in natural rock faces, caves or on human structures. The female will construct a bowl-shaped nest from twigs, dried grass, moss and leaves. The nest is then lined with hair, fur and feathers.
Redstarts build their nests in cavities like natural tree holes, rock crevices or old Woodpecker holes, in some cases Redstarts will use nesting boxes. Again it’s the female that builds the nest which is constructed from twigs, moss and grass which is then lined with soft plant materials fur, hair and feathers.
Black Redstarts lay their eggs anywhere between the end of April and July depending on the weather and the availability of adequate food supplies. They typically lay 4 to 6 eggs and often raise two broods each season.
Black Redstart eggs are usually white or pale blue in colour and are around 19 x 14 mm in size. Each egg weighs around 2.2 grams with 5% of that weight made up of the shell.
Redstarts generally lay their eggs between May and July, again depending on the weather and food availability. They can lay anywhere between 3 to 9 eggs with a typical clutch containing 5 to 7 eggs.
Redstart eggs are usually light blue or greenish-blue in colour and are similar in size to those of the Black Redstart and weighing around 1.9 grams with around 6% of that weight made up of the shell.
Bird Calls
The song of the Black Redstart can be heard from high places and consists of a series of melodic whistles and unusual grinding noises which have been described as sounding like walking on gravel.
The call of the Redstart is much more melodic and tuneful than that of the Black Redstart. Each phrase of their song can last 1 to 2 seconds and their call can vary from area to area across their range.
Size & Weight
The size and weight of these two members of the Chat family are very similar which can make identification difficult if size is your only guide. However, it’s the colouration that really is helpful in distinguishing these birds.
Black Redstarts are around 14 cm in length with a wingspan of between 22 to 26 cm and they weigh around 13 to 20 grams.
Redstarts are also around 14 cm in length, have a wingspan of 20 to 24 cm and weigh anywhere between 11 to 19 grams.
SEE ALSO: Barn Owl vs Tawny Owl: Key Differences Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
The Black Redstart’s song is scratchy and less musical, and is characterised by rough, chattering notes, while the Common Redstart’s song is sweet, melodic, and more tuneful.
Female Black Redstarts are grey-brown with an orange-red tail, while female Common Redstarts are also grey-brown but tend to be slightly more muted in colour, still with an orange tail. Both species have less vibrant colours compared to their male counterparts.
A male Black Redstart has a dark grey or blackish body with an orange-red tail, while a male Redstart has a bright orange-red breast, a black face and throat, and a white forehead patch. The Redstart also has a grey back and wings.
