Black Redstart

📍 Local Expert Tip

” Black Redstarts are passage birds, especially in Autumn can be seen along the tops of the Downs especially where there are farm buildings. A few individuals may winter with Shoreham Fort and around the beach huts and groynes at Widewater being favoured locations.”

🔍 Overview

A scarce migrant and winter visitor to Sussex, especially in coastal towns. Also breeds irregularly in urban settings.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Male: Sooty grey-black with orange-red tail and flanks

Female/immature: Pale grey-brown with orange tail

Other: Constant tail quivering

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Frequents urban rooftops, harbours, and coastal cliffs, particularly around Brighton Marina, Widewater, and Shoreham Harbour.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Rattling “trr-trr” call, and scratchy song. Agile feeder, dropping from perches to snap insects.