Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

Very rare vagrants from NE Europe with 150 records for Britain from September-November.

Breeds in North East Europe such as Finland & Northern Asia.

Winters in South Eastern Asia.

 The Adult Males additionally has dark blue upperparts, while Females and Juveniles are plain brown above apart from the blue rump and tail, and have a dusky breasts.

In behaviour, it is similar to a Common Redstart, frequently flicking its tail in the same manner, and regularly flying from a perch to catch insects in the air or on the ground.

The Male sings its melancholy trill from treetops.

Its call is a typical chat "tacc" noise.