Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Male Redstarts flash a vivid orange tail and breast, with a grey head and a white forehead, while females are more subdued but share the bright rusty tail. They are migratory, typically arriving in spring to breed in wooded areas across Europe. On Lihou, Redstarts may appear in small numbers during migration, resting briefly to refuel on insects before continuing their journey.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, hedgerows, scrub; often seen along coastal scrub or grassy margins during migration
- When to See: Mostly spring and autumn migration (April–May, August–September)
- Diet / Food: Insects, including caterpillars and beetles; also berries in autumn
- Length: 14 cm
- Weight: 14–19 g
- Wingspan: 23–26 cm