Black Redstart
Scientific Name: Phoenicurus ochrurosMaltese Name: Fjamma Sewda
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Black Redstart has a distinctive black plumage with a red tail. Females are slightly duller and greyer. Males have bold white wing patch while the female doesn't. It resembles the Common Redstart in size and behavior. In flight, its red tail is a good feature to identify. It is tolerant to human disturbance and infact some breed in urban areas. It feeds by hopping on the ground in search of insects. Also eats berries. It nests on ledges, crevices and also on roofs.. Often chirps from wires and aerials. Some birds winter in the Mediterranean while others migrate further south to Africa.
Status:
A common wintering visitor.
When to See:
First appears in October and overwinters till March.
Where to See:
May be seen practically from anywhere in winter. Some winter in urban areas and can be seen perching on rooftops, aerials and also feeding in small gardens. Away from human settlements it can be seen naturally on garrigue, in valleys and open countryside. Coastal rocky areas and also cliff sides.
Photographs:
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Male Black Redstart, Qawra |
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Female Black Redstart, Migra Ferha |
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