Phoenicurus moussieri
The Moussier's Redstart (*Phoenicurus moussieri*) is a small, strikingly colorful passerine bird endemic to Northwest Africa, belonging to the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). Males are instantly recognizable with a brilliant combination of a black head, a prominent white supercilium, fiery orange-chestnut underparts, a white wing patch, and a rusty-red tail often flicked with characteristic enthusiasm. Measuring around 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and weighing 13-14 grams, it is a com...
Found in open, often rocky and arid landscapes with sparse vegetation, including scrubland, stony hillsides, gorges, and agricultural land with hedges. Occupies a wide altitudinal range, from sea level up to 3,000 meters in montane areas.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of insects such as ants, beetles, flies, and caterpillars, supplemented by other small invertebrates. Forages by gleaning from the ground or vegetation and aerial hawking.
This diurnal redstart is an active and conspicuous bird, frequently perching on prominent rocks, low shrubs, or wires, constantly flicking its bright rufous tail. Foraging primarily involves short flights from a perch to snatch insects from the ground or mid-air, a technique known as 'flycatching...
The Moussier's Redstart is an obligate resident of Northwest Africa, with its core breeding and wintering range encompassing Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In Morocco, it is widespread across the Atlas Mountains, Rif Mountains, and coastal plains. In Algeria, it is found throughout the Tell Atlas...
Least Concern
- The Moussier's Redstart is one of only two redstart species endemic to Africa, with its range entirely confined to the northwestern Maghreb region. - Males possess one of the most vibrant and unmistakable plumage patterns among all redstarts, with its bold white supercilium contrasting against ...