Colirrojo tizón

1. Nombre de ave:
The bird in discussion is the Common Redstart, scientifically termed as Phoenicurus phoenicurus.

2. Apariencia:
This charming bird has an intricate pattern and coloration. The male sports a unique combination of slate-grey on its head and upper body, marrying the striking contrasting orange-red on its sides, rump and tail. The belly and chest are of a whitish color. The beak is relatively thin and black, similar to its legs. Eyes are dark.

Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued color palette, boasting a mix of brownish tones on their upper bodies while the chest, belly and flanks are a lighter, almost white color. But like their male counterparts, they share the distinctive orange-red tail, giving them their namesake.

3. Tamaño:
On average, the Common Redstart measures about 13–14.5 cm in length with a wingspan of around 20–22 cm. In terms of weight, they typically fall in the range of 12–20 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
Common Redstarts are essentially Palearctic migrants but can be found extensively across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. During winter, they migrate to tropical Africa where the weather is milder. They prefer semi-open landscapes, forests, parks, and gardens.

5. Datos de interés:
One fascinating fact about the Common Redstart is its migration habit which spans several thousands of kilometers. They have a peculiar fluttering flight pattern, frequently wagging their tails. In certain cultures, they herald the arrival of spring and are considered symbols of renewal and fresh beginnings.

6. Dieta:
The diet of the Common Redstart is fairly diverse and includes insects, spiders, small fruits and berries. They have been noted to feed on the wing, similar to flycatchers.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
These birds are solitary and territorial. The males use their vibrant coloration during their courtship displays. The song of the male Redstart is a series of melodious warbles and trills, subdued than many other birds but equally enchanting. The call is a sharp ‘whit’ sound which can be far-reaching.

8. Estado de conservación:
According to the IUCN Red List, the Common Redstart is classified as “least concern”, indicating a large and stable population.

9. Vida útil:
A Common Redstart typically lives for about two to three years in the wild, but the oldest known redstart lived to be over 9 years old.

10. Notas adicionales:
In the United Kingdom, Common Redstarts are called ‘firetail’ due to their iconic red tails. They are admired subjects of bird photography due to their unique, vibrant colorations and are of cultural significance, being celebrated in folklore, poetry, and art.
As part of the ecosystem, they play a vital role in controlling insects and spider populations and their nests are known to provide shelter to other bird and mammal species. As migrants, they are spreaders of seeds, playing a role in plant diversity and ecosystem resilience.