Status in UK:
(A) Migrant/Resident Breeder, Passage/Winter Visitor
Subspecies:gibraltariensis (RBW) recorded in Britain (of 6 subsp. in the world)
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Length:
14 cm
Wingspan:
24 cm
Weight:
M/F: 16 g
Scientific name from:
Gr.: phoinix=crimson + oura=tail
and Gr.: okhros=pale yellow + oura=tai
World Distribution:
BREEDS: Europe (except n) to c Asia, nw Africa, WINTERS: south to n Africa & s Asia
Habitat:
Near cliffs & buildings
Diet:
Small invertebrates and fruit
TitBit:
Originally a montane species, the species has spread widely through Europe after it learned the habit of nesting on buildings - in Britain it first nested on the original Wembley Empire Exhibition building, it is now widespread, nesting on Coventry Cathedral and the Natural History Museum as well as gasworks and industrial depots.