Daurian redstart Coloring Pages

What kind of bird is it?

The Daurian redstart is a cute little bird about the same size as a sparrow. People say the "jo" in its Japanese name comes from its silver-white head, which looks like an old man's silver hair. It is a winter bird that comes to Japan from far-away countries to spend the winter.

Differences between males and females

The male and female Daurian redstart have completely different body colors (feather colors).

• Males have a silver head, an orange belly and base of the tail, and a black face, back, and wings, making them very bright and colorful!
• Females are mostly brown all over, with just a little bit of orange around their bottom.

Both males and females have white patterns on their wings. These look like the "family crests" on kimono, so the Daurian redstart is also called the "crested bird."

Where can you find the Daurian redstart?

In winter, you can find the Daurian redstart in many places like flat areas, small mountain woods, parks, and home gardens in Japan. They are not very afraid of people, so you might get a chance to see one up close!

What does it sound like?

The Daurian redstart's call is super unique, and its voice carries really well!

• They sing with a lovely, high-pitched voice that sounds like "hi-hi"!
• They also make a dry sound like "ka-ka", which sounds just like striking flint together. Some people say the Japanese name "Hitaki" (fire-starter) came from this "ka-ka" call!

It perches in high spots with a great view, like on telephone wires or the tops of tree branches, to let everyone around know where it is with this call!

How to Choose Colors: Try the Bright Male Colors!

Male and female Daurian redstarts look different, so choose the one you like best and color it in.

• If you color a male:
  • Make the head silver (light gray), and color the back, face, and wings black.
  • Color the chest, belly, and base of the tail a bright orange.
  • Make the round pattern in the middle of the wings white to show a clear shape.
• If you color a female:
  • Color the whole body light brown or gray to give it a soft, gentle look.
  • Mix in just a little bit of orange near the tail.

How to Make It Look 3D: Think About "Shadows" and "Light"!

A bird's body also has bright spots where the light hits and dark places in the shade.

• Places in the shade: Color the bottom of the body, the belly, overlapping feathers, and the folds on the neck with a slightly darker color. This will make your Daurian redstart look nice and round!
• Places where light hits: Use a lighter color on the middle of the back and the curved chest to make them look shiny.

Make the Feathers Look Soft and Fluffy!

The feathers of a Daurian redstart look very soft.

• When you color, draw lots of short, thin lines. This will make the feathers look fluffy!
• Layer dark and light colors bit by bit to make it look even more real.

Tips for Enjoying Your Coloring Page!

• Express yourself freely!
  • You do not have to use real colors! Feel free to make your very own colorful Daurian redstart.
• Try adding a background!
  • Draw the tree branch your Daurian redstart sits on, the sky, or the ground. It will bring your picture to life!
• Color with your favorite colors!
  • This bird is very small and cute, so have fun using lots of colors you love!