Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros feeding on berries of Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica

Abstract

The Black Redstart teeds principally on invertebrates but also takes fruit, particularly in late summer and autumn. Honeysuckle (Lonicera) figures among the plant genera whose fruit is taken (Cramp 1988). The Japanese Honeysuckle is widely cultivated, a perennial climber which produces small black berries in early winter. The berries measure from 5-7mm in diameter. They have a sweet grapelike taste initially, but after being masticated for a second or two, a distinctly bitter taste develops. This taste might induce birds to swallow the berries whole rather than masticate them to crack the seeds, or peck at them in situ. The crushed berries release an intense deep purple pigment. The berries are not conspicuous on the bush and are probably not intended to attract bird species which feed by local enhancement (e.g. Starling), but rather they seem to be designed for use by small passerines which are familiar with the bush and its fruits.