Black Redstart

Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltarensis

Earrdheargán dubh

Status: Scarce passage in spring and autumn, as well as a scarce winter visitor mainly to eastern and southern coasts.

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population is regarded as Secure.

Identification: About the same size as a Robin and has a similar shape. In all plumages has rusty-red undertail coverts and tail, which is frequently shivered. Adult males are a glossy black on the head, back and underparts. Has a small white patch on the primaries. Juvenile and adult females are inseperable, being a mousy grey-brown colour all over. Very similar to female/juvenile Common Redstarts in this plumage, though the latter tend to be a more beige-brown colour.

Similar Species: Common Redstart

Call: Rather quiet. Infrequently a "vist" can be heard. Has a remarkable song, which is unlikely to be heard in Ireland - a couple of soft whistled notes followed a "scrunching" sound. 

Diet: Insects. Sits on exposed perch, before a hopping or flying a short distance to catch suitable prey.

Breeding: Does not breed in Ireland. The small breeding population in Britain (<100 pairs) prefers bare areas in industrial estates and towns. In Continental Europe, breeds in towns, vineyards and rocky slopes  in uplands.

Wintering: A scarce winter visitor to coastal areas in the east and south of Ireland. Frequently seen at sites which resemble their breeding habitat (exposed cliffs/rocks) with plenty of insects.

Where to See: The East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin regularly hosts one or two wintering Black Redstarts.

Monitored by: BirdTrack.