Black Redstarts in France
When the Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is present in France, when it nests, and which native France plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in France
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–July
- Size
- 14.5 cm, 16 g
- Nest box
- Open-fronted box on buildings
When to expect black redstarts in France
The Black Redstart lives in France all year round. Mild in the west and south; hard frosts in the north-east and mountains.
Oceanic in the west, continental in the east, Mediterranean along the south coast and Alpine in the mountains.
Nesting in France
In France the Black Redstart usually nests April–July. Nest site: crevice on buildings. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12–16 days; chicks fledge after 12–19 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- Nest box: Open-fronted box on buildings. Put boxes up by February and clean them out between September and January.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native France plants for black redstarts
Of the native plants we track for France, these 8 provide food the Black Redstart uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Berries and nest sites in its tangles; moths for insect-eaters.
Blackberries and impenetrable nesting cover.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
Early-summer cherries for Blackbirds and Jays.
Feeding in the garden
Insects.
- Best foods: Mealworms.
- Rarely uses feeders.
- In Britain a rare breeder on brownfield and city rooftops.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are black redstarts in France all year?
Yes — the Black Redstart is resident in France all year.
When do black redstarts nest in France?
Typically April–July. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12–16 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help black redstarts in France?
Hawthorn, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Honeysuckle, Bramble, Common knapweed, Wild cherry are native to France and provide food or cover the Black Redstart uses.
What nest box does the Black Redstart use?
Open-fronted box on buildings.
Black Redstarts in other countries
Other garden birds in France
Sources
- Black Redstart — RSPB bird guide
- Black Redstart — BTO BirdFacts
- Atlas des oiseaux de France métropolitaine — LPO
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.