Redstart
Redstart
Redstarts are quite closely related to Robins. The male has a black throat and neck, a white eyebrow and reddish underparts. Females are more subdued but the reddish flicking tail is a good diagnostic feature. These African migrants arrive back in Britain in April, taking up residence within open woodland, typically in the oak woods of Wales and western England.
Although Redstarts will use nest boxes they have complicated requirements which vary in different parts of the country. The BTO Nest Box Guide by Chris du Feu has more details.
Nesting Information
- Nest box 1m to 3m above ground
- The nest is made of dead grass, bark, moss and roots and lined with hair and feathers.
- Egg-laying starts between mid April and mid July. One or two broods.
- 5 to 7 eggs. Light blue.
- Incubation 13-14 days
- Nestlings fledge after 14-16 days.
More facts about this species
For more information about Redstarts, see the BTO’s BirdFacts and Wider Countryside Report.
