Identification

Eversmann's Redstart or Rufous-backed Redstart (Phoenicurus erythronotus) is one of the larger redstarts in Iran, that goes to15 to 16 cm long with a wingspan of 25.5 to 27 cm. The bill and legs are black. The male in breeding plumage has a black mask and grey crown and nape. The back and rump are rufous and the tail is also rufous apart from the darker central feathers. The wings are dark with white patches on the scapulars and primary-coverts. The underparts are mainly rufous with white on the belly and undertail-coverts.

Distribution

Known to winter Iran, Oman, rarely Iraq and Turkey. In Iran, rarely seen on extreme north-east down to east in harsh winters. This is at least what we were able to document. Any other observations of this bird is highly welcome to the comment section below.

Habitat

Even in winter Evermann's Redstart tend to stay in higher altitudes usually above 1000 meters high on mountain slopes and highlands close to mountains. Prefers Juniper woodlands or slopes with Oases.

Behaviour

Avid insect hunter and usually travels to places with abundant insect population like other Redstarts. 

References

Guidelines for references:
1.    R.F Porter, Ed. 2005 Birds of Middle East
2.    Eskandar Firouz, Ed. 1980 - Birds of Iran

External Links

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redstart
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eversmann%27s_Redstart