Black Redstart or Daurian Redstart?
Here's how to tell the difference
Black Redstart
Daurian Redstart
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros
Also known as: Tithy's Redstart, Blackstart, Black Redtail
General appearance
The black redstart is a small passerine bird noted for its distinct coloration. It has a long, blackish tail with white base, and an orange-red undertail and flanks making it a bird of striking contrast. Its size usually varies between 13 to 14.5 cm.
Male vs female
Adult male black redstarts showcase complete black face, throat and upperparts except for a distinct white wing patch. Females and immatures, on the other hand, are quite different from the males in coloration. They have brown grey upperparts and paler underparts retaining the white wing-patch and orange-red color under tail.
Juvenile
Juvenile black redstarts resemble their mothers in terms of coloration but exhibit a stronger pattern of scallops and spots on their upperparts. The distinct orange-red undertail becomes more noticeable as they grow. Changes in plumage are a part of the seasonal variations, particularly during the spring molt upon which juvenile birds take on more adult-like appearances.
Size
5.5 - 5.9 in/0.4 - 0.7 oz
There's more to learn about Black Redstart
View full detailsDaurian Redstart
Phoenicurus auroreus
General appearance
The Daurian redstart is a small bird with striking coloration. It features a prominent white wing patch, a white belly, and a black face and throat. It has an orange-red tail, rump, and flanks, with a light grey crown and nape. The Daurian redstart can be seen in open habitats with trees or shrubs and often perches openly, making it relatively easy to identify in the wild.
Male vs female
Male and female Daurian redstarts are sexually dimorphic, meaning they exhibit different physical appearances. Males have a distinctive black face, throat, and upper breast, and a bright orange-rust colored flanks, lower breast, and tail. Females, on the other hand, feature a softer color palette, with predominantly grey-brown plumage, an orange under-tail, and an off-white belly.
Juvenile
Juvenile Daurian redstarts resemble adult females in coloration, but they are usually duller and browner. Over time, they grow into their distinctive adult plumage. Juveniles can be identified by a muted, scaly pattern on their feathers.
Size
5.5 - 5.9 in/0.4 - 0.7 oz
There's more to learn about Daurian Redstart
View full detailsHow to tell the Black Redstart from the Daurian Redstart
Visual differences
The Black Redstart and Daurian Redstart both measure about 5.5 to 6 inches in length. Visually, adult male Black Redstarts have a black face, throat, and upperparts, with a distinctive white wing patch and orange-red undertail. Female Black Redstarts are grey-brown. In contrast, male Daurian Redstarts feature a black face, throat, orange-rust flanks, and a light gray crown, with a white wing patch and belly. Females are grey-brown with an orange under-tail. Both species have orange-red tails, but subtle differences in body coloration aid identification.
Key differences and behavior
The Black Redstart and Daurian Redstart display distinct behavioral traits. Black Redstarts are monogamous yet occasionally mate with others, adapting well to urban environments like cities and industrial sites, while Daurian Redstarts trustingly frequent parks, gardens, and open forests, prevalent in East Asia. Both exhibit courtship displays, but black redstarts perform elaborate songs and fluttering flights, whereas Daurian males are more about vibrant plumage displays. The Black Redstart nests primarily in rocky or urban crevices, while the Daurian prefers forest edges and tree cavities. Dietarily, both favor insects but diversify to berries and seeds during colder months. However, the Daurian, though less frequent at feeders, will occasionally sample mealworms and suet. Both species engage in parental care but have specific preferences in breeding habitats and feeding practices influenced by their environments.
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