Kopciuszek ciekawostki

Black redstart

This is another representative of small Polish birds. Black Redstart is just under 15 cm long and is characterized by a slender body. It can be found throughout the entire territory of Poland, inhabiting urban and rural areas, quarries, stony areas. You might even encounter it in city centers where, under artificial lighting, it can sing even at night! It builds its nests in rock crevices and buildings or nesting boxes. They must be covered from above and are made of stems, grass, and roots. This migratory bird is protected - it arrives in March to our country to depart to warmer countries in October, and sometimes only in November. Check out more information about this little bird!

What does the Black Redstart bird look like?

In the case of the Black Redstart - similar to many other species - there is sexual dimorphism, which means that the male differs significantly from the female. Its plumage is dark gray, with a black face, throat, and chest, and white accents can be noticed on its wings. The tail and rump are reddish. On the other hand, the female is entirely dark gray, except for the tail, which is also reddish. If you're wondering what this little bird with a reddish tail is that inhabits your area, it will certainly be the Black Redstart.

What is worth knowing about the Black Redstart?

This bird mainly feeds on insects and invertebrates, occasionally consuming small snails and earthworms. In the autumn, it also goes for berries and small seeds. It hunts flying insects by ambushing them and knocking them to the ground. Individuals living in cities often visit bird feeders, where they eagerly eat the food left by people.

The Black Redstart lays 6 white eggs, which it incubates for two weeks. After approximately 15 days, the young birds are ready to leave the nest.

Black Redstart - interesting facts about this charming bird

The Black Redstart doesn't like forests or dense vegetation – it definitely prefers rocky steep hills and cliffs, and its natural habitat is indeed mountainous areas.
In the Himalayas, you can even find it at altitudes of up to 5000 meters!
Phoenicurus ochruros - the Greek name for the Black Redstart - is a combination of words: "phoinix" meaning purplish-red, "okhros" meaning ochre, and "ouros" meaning tail. It refers to the characteristic coloring of this bird's tail.
The Polish name for the Black Redstart (kopciuszek), on the other hand, refers to its preference for building nests in chimneys and ventilation shafts.
These are shy and timid birds that will fly away if you approach them. However, you can still observe them from a distance.
One significant threat to the Black Redstart comes from domestic cats, as well as birds of prey.
Although the natural habitat of the Black Redstart was mountainous areas, this changed during the Second World War. During that time, this bird began to settle in bomb-damaged, destroyed, and depopulated cities in the United Kingdom.

Listen to the voice

Gadgets with a Black Redstart illustration

If this slender, agile, little bird has captivated you with its appearance and character, check out products featuring its image available in my offer. With realistic illustrations, you can easily learn to recognize it in nature and won't confuse it with other feathered inhabitants of our country.