Common Redstart
Scientific Name: Phoenicurus phoenicurusMaltese Name: Fjamma
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Redstart is similar to a Robin and in fact they are members of the same family. Males have a black face and throat, grey crown with a distinctive bold white forehead. It has an orange underside and rust red rump with black legs. Females are much browner but still have a reddish appearance. It feeds in foliage or from ground, finding insects, caterpillars, and worms and also taking berries. When seen it often flicks its tail. It builds a grassy nest in a hole or nest box where it lays 5 to 7 eggs. It is a widespread bird and breeds throughout Europe and migrates to Africa in autumn. Redstarts are known to live up to 5 years.
Status:
Regular autumn and spring migrant, falls may occur on some days
When to See:
Autumn; September-November, spring; March-May
Where to See:
Prefers valleys and valleys with trees. Ghadira Nature Reserve and Comino are two good sites.
Photographs:
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Male Redstart, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Male Redstart, Comino | Female Redstart, Comino |
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Young Male Redstart, Comino |
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