MigrantWatch
MigrantWatch archive (2007–2015)
Report migrant sightings on eBird India  ·  about this archive
Prev | Main | Next

Black Redstart

Scientific name

Phoenicurus ochruros

Size

About that of a sparrow.

Distinguishing characteristics

This species can potentially be confused with the Hodgson's Redstart (Phoenicurus hodgsoni) that is found in the Himalayas. The Black, however, lacks any white on the wings while the Hodgson’s has a narrow dull whitish wing-slash. Female Black could also be confused with the female of the Blue-fronted (Phoenicurus frontalis) but for the bold broad black T-patterned tail, which is a distinguishing feature of the Blue-fronted.

Winter distribution

Winter migrant across the country, south of the Himalayas.

IUCN Status

Least concern
Design: Pavithra Sankaran. MigrantWatch is a project of the Citizen Science Programme of NCBS in association with Indian Birds Journal