Passeriformes / Muscicapidae / Phoenicurus
Plumbeous Water Redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus · 红尾水鸲
Introduction
A passerine bird in the family Muscipidae, previously classified in the genus Rhyacornis. It inhabits South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China, typically residing near fast-moving streams and rivers at high elevations. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List with a stable population.
Description
Typically 14 centimetres (5.5 in) long. Males weigh an average of 22 grams (0.78 oz) and are slate blue with a rusty red tail. Females weigh an average of 18.8 grams (0.66 oz), are pale grey, and feature a white rump. In China, females and first-year males may appear more brown on the upper parts.
Identification
Males are distinguished by slate blue plumage and a rusty red tail. Females are pale grey with a white rump. The common name references the lead-like coloration.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Two recognized subspecies exist: P. f. fuliginosus and P. f. affinis (found in Taiwan). Preferred habitats include shaded streams, nullahs, and rivers with boulders and riverbank vegetation, particularly those with high insect populations like mayflies. Typically found at elevations between 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) and 4,100 metres (13,500 ft) in the Himalayas, descending to lower altitudes in winter. The distribution range exceeds 5,100,000 square kilometres (2,000,000 sq mi).
Behavior & Ecology
Highly protective of its habitat and confrontational toward trespassers. Forages by flying vertically at least 20 feet (6.1 m) above water to catch flies, then gliding down in a spiral to the same spot.
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The population has remained stable over the last ten years.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Phoenicurus
Taxonomy Changes
Rhyacornis fuliginosa → Phoenicurus fuliginosus
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Vocalizations
Subspecies (2)
-
Phoenicurus fuliginosus affinis
Taiwan
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
