Rare Red-Flanked Bluetail Creates Excitement Among UK Birdwatchers
A spectacularly colourful bird, described as a 'mega rarity' for Southern England, has been thrilling the UK's birdwatching community with confirmed sightings in Kent this month. The red-flanked bluetail, a close relative of the familiar robin, has been observed at Crockham Hill Common, generating considerable excitement among ornithology enthusiasts who rarely encounter this species so far west.
Vivid Plumage and Unusual Appearance
Bird experts have delightfully compared the male red-flanked bluetail to 'a robin that's been to the paint shop', thanks to its brilliant and striking plumage. The males display vibrant blue upper bodies complemented by distinctive orange-hued breasts, creating a visually stunning appearance. Females present a more muted olive-brown colouring but retain the characteristic blue-tinted tail that gives the species its name.
This small, compact bird shares similar size and structure with the European Robin, though it features a slightly shorter bill and longer tail. The species is alternatively known as the orange-flanked bush robin, reflecting its colourful flank panels that remain visible even in the more subdued female specimens.
Increasing Sightings Despite Historical Rarity
While spotting a red-flanked bluetail was once considered a 'near-mythical rarity' in the UK, records have shown a significant increase over recent years. According to Rare Bird Alert, there have been 148 documented sightings over the last decade, suggesting these appearances are becoming more frequent despite their continued classification as exceptional events.
The British Trust for Ornithology notes that this migratory species 'breeds from Finland east to Kamchatka and winters across parts of China', making any UK sighting particularly noteworthy. The organisation attributes the increased frequency to population growth in eastern Finnish forests, where the bird was first recorded breeding in the 1940s.
Storm Displacement Theory
Experts have proposed storm displacement as a likely explanation for the bird's unexpected appearance in Kent during January and February. This phenomenon, sometimes called 'storm misplacement', occurs when severe weather systems carry migratory birds far from their usual routes and destinations.
Birdwatching platforms including Bird Guides and eBird have documented multiple sightings between January 28 and February 1, with both male and female specimens reported. The YouTuber Stormcat Birds described the discovery as 'proper exciting bird news', emphasising how extraordinary it is to encounter this species 'this far west in January'.
The birdwatching community has welcomed the appearance as 'a welcome mega to arrive on our shores', celebrating the opportunity to observe this colourful visitor that typically breeds across Siberia and east of Japan. As enthusiasts continue to monitor the situation, the red-flanked bluetail's presence serves as a reminder of nature's capacity for unexpected and beautiful surprises in the British countryside.
