Moussier's Redstart

The Moussier's redstart is a diminutive avian jewel of the Atlas Mountains, the smallest of its kin. Measuring a mere 12 centimeters in length and tipping the scales at a lightweight 14 to 15 grams, this bird is a visual delight. The male is particularly striking with his ebony head, adorned with a broad, white eyebrow stripe that cascades down the neck. His upperparts are a glossy black, save for a conspicuous white wing patch, and his tail is a vibrant chestnut—a feature that has lent the redstart its name, as 'start' is an archaic term for tail. The underparts of the male are a resplendent orange-red. The female, in contrast, is clad in more subdued tones, with a pale brown head and upperparts, and her underparts a softer orange, though still redder than those of her counterpart in the common redstart species.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Moussier's redstart, look for the distinctive black head with the white stripe above the eye, the white wing patch, and the rich chestnut tail. The female can be recognized by her paler brown head and upperparts, and the less vibrant but still noticeable orange underparts.

Habitat

This species favors the open woodlands that are strewn with rocks, a habitat it finds from the sea level to the lofty heights of 3000 meters in the Atlas Mountains.

Distribution

Moussier's redstart is an endemic resident breeder, its presence gracing the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa exclusively.

Behaviour

The Moussier's redstart exhibits a fascinating feeding behavior, often seen making aerial forays like a flycatcher to snatch insects mid-flight. It also forages on the ground, sometimes digging to unearth its prey. While largely sedentary, some individuals exhibit migratory tendencies, particularly those at higher altitudes who descend to lower elevations during winter. The species has been known to vagrate as far as Great Britain, Greece, and Mauritania.

Song & Calls

The male's vocal repertoire is a blend of rasping sounds interspersed with 'svee-svee' notes, while its call is a plaintive, singular 'wheet'.

Breeding

Nests are constructed within bushes or on the ground, with a typical clutch ranging from 3 to 6 eggs.

Similar Species

The Moussier's redstart can be confused with the common redstart, especially the females of both species. However, the Moussier's redstart is smaller and the male has more distinctive markings.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the Moussier's redstart is an adept hunter, capturing insects in flight or foraging for them on the ground. Occasionally, it may also consume small berries.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Moussier's redstart as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.