Phoenicurus coeruleocephala
The Blue-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus coeruleocephala) is a striking member of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), characterized by the male's vibrant cerulean blue crown, which contrasts sharply with his glossy black face and throat. Its back is a soft grey, transitioning to rich rufous on the belly and undertail coverts, while the black tail features prominent rufous outer tail feathers, a signature trait among redstarts. Females present a more subdued appearance, generally grey...
Found in high-altitude subalpine and alpine scrub, rocky slopes, open conifer forests, and near the treeline, typically between 2,500 and 5,000 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, flies, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates, supplemented with berries in colder months.
Blue-capped Redstarts are diurnal, spending their active hours foraging, primarily gleaning insects from the ground and low vegetation, but also sallying out to catch flying prey. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their patch with persistent, sweet, and varied son...
The Blue-capped Redstart has a broad distribution across the high mountains of Central Asia and the Himalayan region. Its breeding range extends from northeastern Afghanistan, through the Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward into western and central China (including Xinjiang,...
Least Concern
- The name "redstart" comes from Old English "steort" meaning tail, referring to the rufous outer tail feathers common in the genus. - Despite its common name, it is not closely related to the American Redstart, which belongs to the New World warbler family. - The male's brilliant blue cap is a s...