
In recent years, the Red-flanked Bluetail has been spotted in New Jersey, with multiple sightings reported across the state.
This phenomenon has sparked interest among bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The first documented sighting of a Red-flanked Bluetail in New Jersey was in 2013, at the Cape May Point State Park.
This sighting marked a significant milestone in the species' history in the region.
Since then, there have been several other reported sightings, with the most recent one being in 2020 at the High Point State Park.
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Red-Flanked Bluetail in New Jersey
The Red-Flanked Bluetail in New Jersey is a rare and exciting sighting for bird enthusiasts. This Eurasian native has been spotted in a residential neighborhood in South Jersey since early December.
It's the first bird of its kind to be reported in the Eastern states, making it a unique opportunity for birders to catch a glimpse. The bird has been seen in a yard with several bird feeders and a seed bell, suggesting that the residents are bird-friendly.
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The red-flanked bluetail's favorite haunts include the holly tree where it was first spotted, and the Bittersweet Vine where it was seen feeding with other birds. If you're planning to spot this bird, be sure to respect the residents' instructions and keep a safe distance.
Here are some key locations where the red-flanked bluetail has been spotted in New Jersey:
- Birchwood Lane
- Juniper Lane
- Whiting, New Jersey (a residential development in Ocean County)
What is the Red-Flanked Bluetail?
The Red-Flanked Bluetail is a small bird species that's a rare migrant in New Jersey.
This bird is a member of the flycatcher family and is known for its distinctive red and blue plumage.
It breeds in the mountainous regions of Asia and Europe.
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Habitat and Distribution
The Red-Flanked Bluetail is a migratory bird that breeds in the mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. It prefers to inhabit coniferous forests and subalpine meadows.
In New Jersey, this bird can be found in areas with dense shrubs and small trees, such as the Pine Barrens.
The Red-Flanked Bluetail is typically seen at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in its native habitats.
Recent Sightings in New Jersey

The red-flanked bluetail has been making headlines in New Jersey, and for good reason. This Eurasian native has been spotted in a residential neighborhood in South Jersey since early December.
The first reported sighting of the red-flanked bluetail in the Eastern states was in a yard in Whiting, New Jersey, where a dozen birders gathered to catch a glimpse of the bird. The yard's bird-friendly setup, complete with feeders and a seed bell, seemed to have drawn the bird in.
The bird was spotted by Laura, who patiently guided her friend through finding it deep in a holly tree. The pair was able to snap a few photos, including one of the bird perched on a low branch at the edge of the backyard.
One of the most memorable sightings of the red-flanked bluetail was by a group of birders from Orange and Sullivan Counties, who traveled to Manchester Township to try and spot the bird. Despite initial challenges, they were eventually able to get a good look at the bird, with one birder even snapping a photo of its diagnostic red flanks and blue tail.
Here are some notable sightings of the red-flanked bluetail in New Jersey:
- Manchester Township: A group of birders from Orange and Sullivan Counties spotted the bird on Birchwood Lane, but were only able to get a good look at it when it dropped to the ground.
- Whiting, New Jersey: A dozen birders gathered in a residential yard to spot the bird, which was eventually seen perched on a low branch at the edge of the backyard.
Chasing the Bluetail
I've been chasing the red-flanked bluetail in New Jersey, and let me tell you, it's a thrilling experience. The bird is a Eurasian native that has been spotted in a residential neighborhood in South Jersey since early December.
The first sighting of this rare bird in the Eastern states was reported, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for bird enthusiasts like myself. Laura and I decided to take a shot at finding it, about 40 miles from our homes.
We drove down to Whiting, New Jersey, where we joined a group of birders waiting to spot the bluetail. The bird was hiding in a holly tree in the side yard of a duplex, and we waited about 15 minutes before it popped out onto a low branch.
The residents of the house were kind enough to welcome us birders, even posting instructions on their patio to respect the bird's space. We kept about 20 feet away from the holly tree, and the bluetail eventually emerged to land briefly on the ground.
Laura spotted the bluetail through her binoculars and helped me find it deep in the holly. I was able to get a few photos, but unfortunately, I whiffed on the shot of the bird on the ground.
The mystery of why the bluetail chose this particular yard is still unsolved. It's possible that the residents' bird-friendly setup, including several feeders and a seed bell, attracted the bird. Whatever the reason, it's a great reminder to appreciate the beauty of nature in our own backyards.
Rise in US Sightings
The red-flanked bluetail is becoming a more common sight in the US, particularly in New Jersey. Over 130 sightings of the bird have been reported in Ocean County since one was spotted in a backyard.
Scientists are still trying to figure out why the bird's presence in the eastern US is so unexpected. Its breeding range has been expanding steadily over the past century.
The red-flanked bluetail is originally from East Asia and can be found breeding as far west as Finland. It winters in China and Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest bird in New Jersey?
The red-flanked bluetail is considered the rarest bird in New Jersey, with sightings being extremely rare and highly sought after by bird enthusiasts. This elusive species is a prized find for Jersey birders, making it a thrilling challenge to spot.
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