- Chaimarrornis leucocephalus
Identification
7.5" (19 cm.) Sexes alike. Larger than other redstarts; crown and nape snowy white, remainder of head, throat, breast, back, and wings black; belly, rump, vent, and base of tail reddish-rufous; a black bar across the end of the tail. Bobs head when alighting on rocks in fast streams, flicks tail continually.
Similar species:
Resembles male White-winged Redstart, but lacks the large white wing patch of the latter, as well as occurring in different habitat.
Distribution & Taxonomy
Breeds in central Asia, Himalayas, and much of China, wintering at lower altitudes; some winter movement southward into NE India, N Indochina, and S China.
Habitat
An altitudinal migrant along alpine streams, up to 4000 m. Prefers to perch on boulders and rocks in fast water. Generally common, often occurring with dippers and Plumbeous Water-Redstart.
Behaviour
Voice: Song a weak undulating whistle. Call loud, shrill, a rising tseeit, tseeit.
