Güldenstädt's Redstart

The Güldenstädt's redstart, also known as the white-winged redstart, is a striking bird species belonging to the genus Phoenicurus within the Muscicapidae family. This robust redstart is one of the largest of its kind, measuring approximately 18 cm in length and weighing between 21 to 29 grams. The adult male is a vision in contrasting colors, with a black upper body set off by a pure white crown and a distinctive white patch on the wing. Its tail is a vibrant orange-red, adding a splash of color that is particularly noticeable in flight. The underparts of the male are equally vivid, with a black throat and upper breast transitioning to a rich orange-red on the belly. Females and immature males are more subdued in coloration, with brown upper parts and orange-buff underparts, yet they share the same orange-red tail that is characteristic of the species.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Güldenstädt's redstart, look for the male's white crown and wing patch, which contrast sharply with the black upper parts. The orange-red tail is a key feature for both sexes. Females and young males can be distinguished by their brown upper parts and lighter orange-buff underparts.

Habitat

This species is found in high-altitude environments, breeding in alpine meadows and rocky fields at elevations ranging from 3,600 to 5,200 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The Güldenstädt's redstart graces the high mountains of the southwestern and central Palearctic, with its range extending across the Caucasus, Karakoram, Pamir, Himalaya, Tian Shan, and Altai regions. Countries that host this bird include Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Behaviour

During the winter months, the Güldenstädt's redstart descends to slightly lower altitudes of 1,500 to 4,800 meters, where it can be found mainly in subalpine Hippophae scrub. Some populations, particularly those in the northernmost part of their range near Lake Baikal, migrate even further, reaching northeastern China.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Güldenstädt's redstart is varied, including both fruit and a wide array of invertebrates, which it forages for in its high-altitude habitats.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Güldenstädt's redstart as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

Similar Species

The male Güldenstädt's redstart bears a resemblance to the white-capped redstart, Chaimarrornis leucocephalus, in both plumage and size, sharing the black upper parts and white crown. However, it can be differentiated by the presence of the white wing patch. The white-capped redstart is currently placed in a separate genus, but genetic studies suggest that it may eventually be merged into Phoenicurus. Additionally, the male Güldenstädt's redstart shows some similarities to the much smaller Moussier's redstart, P. moussieri, including the white wing patch, while the females more closely resemble an outsized common redstart.