Phoenicurus ochruros

Interesting facts: The black redstart comes originally from the mountains. With its adaptability, it has also spread into urban areas over the last good 200 years. Here it breeds in niches in house walls and even in awning holes, rather than in crevices on cliffs. The species is undisturbed by noise and disturbance by people.

Characteristics: Plumage of the male is distinctive black with rust-grey patches (Image 1); the female is a rather less impressive grey-brown (Image 2), both sexes have a rust-brown tail; like the common redstart, this species constantly bobs the tail

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: Quarries, houses, industrial areas even in city centres