Redstart Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Redstarts are typically found in upland areas of Great Britain and areas less affected by agricultural intensification. They build their nests in natural tree holes, old Woodpecker holes, cavities and will also use nest boxes if available.

Redstarts are summer visitors to the UK and can be found throughout most of Europe and western Asia. They winter in Africa and Arabia and although quite common in much of the UK, the Redstart is a rare sight in Ireland.

In this article we’ll be looking at the diet, breeding habits, size and weight of these interesting and easily recognisable passerines and much more besides. Keep reading for more information.

The Dietary Habits Of The Redstart

The Redstart has a diverse diet that changes with the seasons and depends on food availability. 

What Does A Redstart Eat?

Redstarts mainly eat; flies, beetles, ants, caterpillars, worms, spiders and the larvae of insects. They can often be seen foraging for food by catching insects in flight or hopping on the ground and picking prey from the floor or local vegetation.

In late summer and early autumn, Redstarts move on to eating berries and fruit in order to build up fat reserves to sustain them on their long migratory flights all the way to Africa. Their diet then consists of; elderberries, blackberries and currants.

What To Feed A Baby Redstart? 

Both parents feed their chicks on a high protein diet which consists mainly of caterpillars and other soft bodied insects including flies, beetles and spiders. This protein-rich diet is essential for the rapid growth and development of the chicks.

The parents feed the chicks frequently, bringing back food from foraging trips to ensure the young are well-nourished during their early days of life.

Breeding Habits Of Redstarts

The breeding season for Redstarts typically begins in late April to June, depending on their geographical location. Male Redstarts sit on prominent perches and sing to attract females and establish a territory. Their song is a series of short melodic phrases.

Males often flick their wings and fan their distinctive orange-red tail feathers while perched. They will also perform short flights with rapid wing beats to show off their plumage and agility.

The male will inspect potential nesting cavities and repeatedly show these sites to the female by flying to them, singing, and fanning his tail. He often courts the female near these sites to encourage her to inspect them.

She then selects a suitable nesting site and builds the nest on her own. It typically takes anywhere between 3 to 7 days for the nest to be constructed.

Do Redstarts Mate For Life?

Although Redstarts don’t generally mate for life, they are usually monogamous for a breeding season, with the male vigorously defending his territory from rivals. The male often continues to sing and patrol the territory during the breeding season to ward off any potential intruders.

In some cases, particularly in southern regions of their range, the pair may raise a second brood during the same season, depending on food availability and weather conditions.

The Size & Weight Of Redstarts

Often compared to the European Robin, juvenile Redstarts have a mottled brown colouration and are often confused with juvenile Robins, Black Redstarts and Nightingales.

How Much Does A Redstart Weigh?

The average weight of a Redstart is around 11 to 19 grams. This relatively light weight helps them undertake agile flights in search of flying insects which are their main food source.

How Big Is A Redstart?

An adult Redstart has an overall length of around 14 cm and a wingspan of around 20 to 24 cm. They are very similar in size to the Dunnock except dunnocks are more robust, dumpy looking birds than Redstarts.

Are Redstarts Under Threat?

Redstarts are not currently considered to be under threat globally with the IUCN Red List classifying them as a species of least concern. This means they are not in any immediate risk of extinction and have a relatively stable population in most of their range.

Having said that, Redstarts do have falling numbers in certain areas which have been caused by various factors including; habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion and urban development, the increased use of pesticides which has caused insect numbers to dwindle and climate change.

What Eats A Redstart?

Redstarts are vulnerable to a variety of predators at different stages of their life cycle. Birds of prey like; the Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Hobby and Peregrine Falcon take adult birds, chicks and eggs. Other birds like; Jays, Crows and Magpies will take eggs and chicks from nests.

While squirrels, stoats, weasels, rats and domestic cats will take adults, chicks and eggs.

Where Can I See Redstarts In The UK?

In the UK, Redstarts are mainly found in wooded, upland areas during their breeding season. They are summer visitors, arriving from Africa in April and leaving by September to return to their wintering grounds.

Some of the most reported sightings occur in the following places;

Scotland

• The Caledonian Pine Forests ( found in southern Scotland and the Highlands)
• The Cairngorms National Park

England

• The Lake District National Park
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park
• The Peak District National Park
• Dartmoor
• Exmoor

Wales

• Snowdonia National park
• The Brecon Beacons National Park

Redstarts prefer deciduous woodlands, particularly with mature trees and a mix of open spaces. They tend to favour oak woodlands, woodland edges, and clearings.

They are also found in parklands, hedgerows, and occasionally in gardens with suitable habitat structure, especially if nest boxes are available.

SEE ALSO: Ptarmigan Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

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