Originally the black redstart was living almost exclusively in rocky areas, but already in the 18th and 19th centuries, due to the increasing urbanization and expansion of cities, it spread to the plains and then into the cities and villages, using buildings and high-rises instead of its native, alpine and rocky habitat. It nests at a maximum altitude of 3200m and it’s a very widespread species. It’s funny song is strident and it starts way before sunrise, giving the start signal to the birds for their morning concert.
Red tails are one of the most eye-catching features found in the avian world. The vibrant splash of crimson provides a pop of color against backdrops of more common brown, black and white plumage. For some species, the red tail is an integral part of their identity and makes them easily recognizable even to casual bird watchers. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful birds that sport this striking marker.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is arguably the most famous red-tailed bird in North America. As its name implies, this common raptor is distinguished by its namesake brick-red tail. The red tail is visible when the bird is soaring overhead, acting as a beacon to identify the species. Red-tailed Hawks are large, broad-winged birds of prey found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats across the continent. They are skilled hunters that primarily feed on small mammals like mice, voles and rabbits. Perched atop trees, utility poles and other high vantage points, Red-tailed Hawks scan the ground below for prey. Once spotted, they execute a controlled dive with legs outstretched to swoop down and strike. The Red-tailed Hawk is a beloved bird, frequently seen by many, and its iconic red tail makes it unmistakable.
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo
This large cockatoo endemic to Australia sports a short but vivid red tail. The red undertail is found only on the males, while females have barred orange and black tails instead. The rest of the plumage on both sexes is predominantly black. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos favor dry forests and woodlands across Australia, often congregating in large flocks while foraging or at roost sites. They use their massive grey bills to extract seeds and nuts from woody fruits, bark and cones. Unfortunately, habitat loss has contributed to population declines. The male’s brilliant red tail makes a dramatic contrast against its otherwise jet black body. For those lucky enough to spot one, it is a striking and unforgettable sight.
Crimson-Rumped Toucanet
As its name suggests this South American toucanet boasts a patch of crimson red at the base of its tail and on the rump. Otherwise, its plumage is predominantly green with a yellow-orange spot at the bend of the wing and a bold blue-and-yellow bill. The red rump patch and undertail are quite small but provide a nice pop of color on an otherwise green bird. Crimson-rumped Toucanets inhabit humid montane forests along the Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia. They move through the forest canopy in small flocks using their bills to pluck fruit. The male’s crimson rump and undertail are fairly subtle but add a nice hint of red to an already exotically-colored bird.
Red-Tailed Comet Hummingbird
This Andean hummingbird earns its name from the long, forked red tail found on the males. Against a background of shining emerald the red tail streams dramatically behind the bird as it hovers at flowers. Females lack the red tail and are more dull green overall. Red-tailed Comets inhabit forest edges and clearings in the mountains from southwestern Colombia to northwestern Argentina. The males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in u-shaped arcs and diving while squeaking loudly. Their aerobatic maneuvers really showcase the tail as it flutters dynamically behind them. Though small the brilliant red tail of the males makes them one of the most stunning hummingbirds of South America.
Red-Tailed Shrike
This predatory songbird breeds in temperate Asia and winters in tropical areas ranging from eastern Africa to southeast Asia. It earns its common name from the rich russet-red tail found on adults of both sexes. The rest of the body is shades of cool grey above and warm white below. Red-tailed Shrikes perch conspicuously on wires, fence posts and other lookout posts as they scan for large insects, small birds and mammals. Once prey is spotted, they swoop down and capture it in their hooked bill. Though they lack the raptor talons of true birds of prey, they are effective hunters. The red tail provides a bright spot of color on an otherwise nondescript bird.
Red-Tailed Parrot
This endangered parrot is found only in small remnant populations along the southeastern coast of Brazil. It is a stocky, primarily green parrot with a red undertail that wraps around the belly. The red tail contrasts nicely with the green wings and back. Red-tailed Parrots feed on fruits, seeds and flowers from coastal restinga forests but nest on offshore islands. Habitat loss threatens this rare species, as development encroaches on its limited range. In flight, groups of these parrots stand out thanks to the vivid flash of red from their undertails. Efforts are underway to protect and restore habitat and bolster their dwindling populations.
Red-Tailed Minla
This colorful songbird from south Asia is adorned with a red tail tipped with yellow and black bands. Its underparts are bold yellow and its upperparts are a mix of black, brown and white. A red-tailed Minla’s tail frequently bobs up and down as it hops through dense undergrowth. It uses its long, curved bill to pry insects from crevices and probe for nectar. Currently endangered, this species suffers from habitat loss and fragmentation. Nature preserves aim to protect significant tracts of broadleaf forest this species depends on. Watch for these birds along the edges of forest clearings and listen for their metallic call. The male’s brilliant red and yellow tail makes a flashy contrast against the forest understory.
The beautiful birds profiled here are just a sampling of avian species sporting iconic red tails. Other honorable mentions include the Red-tailed Tropicbird, Leaf Love, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Red-tailed Wheatear and many more. Red tails come in many shades, from vivid crimson to dark rusty brown. Their appearance may differ across ages, sexes, subspecies and geographic regions. But in all cases, a red tail provides an eye-catching burst of color and often plays an important role in identification. For bird enthusiasts, a flash of red among the trees is always a welcome sight. It likely signals something beautiful overhead just waiting to be discovered.
Aspect
The Phoenicurus ochruros is a small passerine of less than 20 grams. The wingspan is about 23- 26 cm and the length can be up to 15 cm. The tail is red in both sexes, but the male is recognised by a general color tending to black and by the white wing spot, while the female, without the light part on the wings, is brown-greyish. Typical is the short song with alternating “tsip” and “tictic”.
Distribution
In the summer, the black redstart frequents mainly mountain areas. In Europe it reaches altitudes of up to 2,600 meters in the Alps, but the Asian populations who inhabit the Himalayan area can reach up to 5,000 meters. In the past, the species inhabited only the mountain areas, while for some years, during the winter season, it prefers to go down to the valley to the plains and inhabited centers, an environment to which the Phoenicurus ochuros has now perfectly adapted, preferring less urbanized areas such as small towns, suburban centers and industrial areas. But it can also be observed in bigger towns where, often, it colonizes the highest buildings with its nest.
The range of presence of the black redstart includes Europe, Asia Minor and Tibet. During the wintering, individuals move from northern Europe to the Mediterranean regions and North Africa. On the other hand, it is almost absent in large areas of the British archipelago and in Scandinavia. One of the subspecies, the Phoenicurus ochruros rufiventris, goes east towards the Caspian Sea and Iran, reaching China.
Hunting Bats with a Red Tailed Hawk | BBC Earth
FAQ
What birds have red tails?
Red-tailed Hawks can be vexing birds. We tend to think of Northern Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks as hovering raptors, but Red-tails will also hover when the wind and occasion calls for it. They’re bulky, all-purpose predators that primarily feed on mammals, but they’re nimble enough to catch pigeons, too.
How rare is it to see a Red-tailed Hawk?
This is probably the most common hawk in North America. If you’ve got sharp eyes you’ll see several individuals on almost any long car ride, anywhere. Red-tailed Hawks soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad, rounded wings.
What bird is brown with a red tail?
Most Red-tailed Hawks are rich brown above and pale below, with a streaked belly and, on the wing underside, a dark bar between shoulder and wrist. The tail is usually pale below and cinnamon-red above, though in young birds it’s brown and banded. “Dark-morph” birds are all chocolate-brown with a warm red tail.
What is a Red-tailed Hawk confused with?
Adult (Northern) From a distance a soaring Turkey Vulture might look like a Red-tailed Hawk, but Turkey Vultures have longer, more rectangular wings, which the birds hold above horizontal, forming an easily visible V. Turkey Vultures are also much less steady when they soar.
What bird has a red tail?
A bird of Siberia, The Red-Tailed Shrike (Lanius phoenicuroides) is among the species with dark red tails. This is a species with brown-red tails and brighter caps brown or tan caps. Earthy nuances are specific to this bird as a means of camouflage and their darker red tails are also less easy to spot compared to crimson tails.
Do birds have red tails?
Red tails can be seen on some of the species about to be extinct. In rare cases, they are also seen on highly common birds living in their millions. From crimson to brown-red, various nuances are specific to various species. They can even play a role in breeding as males with red tails often display themselves to females.
How do you know if a bird has a red tail?
A red-brown tail is seen on the species. Its long tail has a different color to the mostly dark green plumage of the birds which also show yellow necks and underbellies. Dark green nuances are specific to its dominant plumage while brown-red tails are seen both on males and females. White or yellow sections are further visible around the eyes.
What are some examples of red birds?
Some examples of red birds include flamingos and parrots. These birds can be found in various habitats like coastal areas, mudflats, and tropical forests around the world. Red birds may only display their red color during the breeding season or as a male trait to attract females. Some species may also be partly red.
Which bird has a red head?
One bird known for its red head and breast in males is the House Finch. Originally found only in western states, it has been introduced to the eastern states and can now be found in various habitats like parks, farms, forest edges, and backyard feeders.
Do Hawks have red tails?
Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are some of the most adaptable birds with red tails also present in North America. Known for living on the continent and on small islands, this is a species with a brick-red tail, seen across many of its subspecies. A brown type of hawk, Red-Tailed Hawks have tails that may grow to 10 inches.