Looking at just the distribution maps then this is more than likely a Juv Black Redstart. In Spain the predominant of the two redstart. The Black Redstart covers the whole country, whereas the “Common” Redstart is patchy but with the highest concentrations being in the north of Spain.
Preferred habitat is also different, Black Redstart is rocky, stony, boulder strewn terrain, whereas the “Common” Redstart is woodland/parkland.
The dark general plumage colouration in your shot would also tend to take me to the Black Redstart., also the time of year points to a Black Redstart. Common Redstart is migratory, Black Redstart isn’t, or at least negligibly.
Hope this helps.
Did you get my e-mail ??
Posted by Dave Tucker on September 18, 2008 at 3:25 PM
HI
I belive this is a Redstart, Juv.
Posted by David J Slater on September 19, 2008 at 6:09 AM
Hi Ian,
When the birds are on migration they look similar. I'm sure the Black Redstart has a darker breast, the normal redstart breast is quite pale. Yours has a dark area on the breast, and when I see it on a wooden fence like yours, and in Southern Spain, I would say Black Redstart (and adult).
I have a comparison on my website if your interested:
http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/BritishBirds/Redstart.htm
Dave
Forest of Dean
Posted by Ian Hardy on September 19, 2008 at 7:05 AM
Thanks for the help guys,
Sorry about that i still favour Redstart over Black Redstart.
Ian
Posted by Andy Bate on September 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Discussion
5 replieswhether it is a Juv Redstart or Juv Black Redstart.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ian
Looking at just the distribution maps then this is more than likely a Juv Black Redstart. In Spain the predominant of the two redstart. The Black Redstart covers the whole country, whereas the “Common” Redstart is patchy but with the highest concentrations being in the north of Spain.
Preferred habitat is also different, Black Redstart is rocky, stony, boulder strewn terrain, whereas the “Common” Redstart is woodland/parkland.
The dark general plumage colouration in your shot would also tend to take me to the Black Redstart., also the time of year points to a Black Redstart. Common Redstart is migratory, Black Redstart isn’t, or at least negligibly.
Hope this helps.
Did you get my e-mail ??
I belive this is a Redstart, Juv.
When the birds are on migration they look similar. I'm sure the Black Redstart has a darker breast, the normal redstart breast is quite pale. Yours has a dark area on the breast, and when I see it on a wooden fence like yours, and in Southern Spain, I would say Black Redstart (and adult).
I have a comparison on my website if your interested:
http://www.djsphotography.co.uk/BritishBirds/Redstart.htm
Dave
Forest of Dean
Sorry about that i still favour Redstart over Black Redstart.
Ian