Moussier’s Redstart
Phoenicurus moussieri
Moussier's Redstart is a rare visitor to Britain, with only a few recorded sightings, typically seen in the southern regions during migration periods. It is more commonly found in its native Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa, where it resides as an endemic breeder.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Moussier’s Redstart in the field.
The Moussier's Redstart can be identified by its grey back, white forehead, and distinctive black face mask, as well as its reddish-brown tail and wings. Its white belly and vent also help to distinguish it from other similar species.
The Moussier's Redstart is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 12-13 cm in length, and is slightly larger than a Blue Tit.
The male Moussier's Redstart has a slate-grey back, white forehead, and a black face mask that extends from the beak to the back of the head, with a reddish-brown tail and wings, and a white belly and vent.
The female Moussier's Redstart is similar to the male, but with a browner tint to the back and wings, and a less distinct face mask.
The Moussier's Redstart has a melodic song, often described as a series of whistled phrases, and a sharp, metallic call note.
Moussier's Redstart is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting between rocks and trees in search of insects and other small invertebrates, with a distinctive flight style that involves rapid wingbeats and sharp turns.
The Moussier's Redstart can be confused with the Black Redstart, but can be distinguished by its grey back, white forehead, and reddish-brown tail and wings, as well as its distinctive black face mask, which is more extensive than that of the Black Redstart.
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