Tim writes: that tiny white patch on the throat gives rise to the common name of this Redstart. It occurs mainly in China and Tibet at high altitudes (2500-4500m), descending to lower altitudes in winter. It feeds on insects in summer, but feeds mainly on berries in winter. It is particularly fond of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries and I photographed this individual in a Sea Buckthorn tree (which grows naturally in the Himalayas as well as by the sea in Europe). Its scientific name Phoenicurus schisticeps translates as “flame-tailed, slate-headed”. I photographed this male on the lower slopes of Balang Mountain in Sichuan, China.
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