Wildlife

Common Redstart Welfare in Oak Woodland

Common redstarts are migratory flycatcher relatives that breed in oak woodland, parkland and rocky uplands in the UK, wintering in the Sahel zone of West Africa.

Key Facts

Redstarts arrive in the UK from late April and depart by September
Males are strikingly plumaged with orange-red tails that give the species its name
They nest in tree holes and readily use nest boxes
The UK population fluctuates with rainfall conditions in Sahel wintering areas

Welfare Considerations

Redstart welfare is affected by both breeding habitat quality and conditions in African wintering grounds. Drought years in the Sahel can reduce survival and breeding numbers in subsequent seasons. Loss of veteran trees with natural cavities reduces nesting opportunities in woodland habitats.

What You Can Do

Erect nest boxes suitable for redstarts in oak woodland and parkland
Retain veteran trees with natural cavities in woodland management
Support organisations working on Sahel habitat conservation
Record redstart breeding activity for BTO Breeding Bird Survey and Nest Record Scheme