Its presence has attracted many curious people and ornithology enthusiasts to the south of France. It is more precisely in Frontignan (Hérault) that a Moussier’s Redstart, (Phoenicurus moussieri), a bird endemic to North Africa, has been observed since the end of December 2024, reports Free Midday.
The third sighting in decades
And if the presence of this sparrow arouses interest, it is because it is the third observation of the animal in France for several decades. It was notably observed in 1993 in Finistère and in 2013, again in Hérault, indicates the site ornithomedia.com.
The last specimen spotted was discovered on December 26, 2024 by a volunteer from the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) during a census. Sightings continued at least until early January. The specialist told our colleagues: “I spotted this sparrow that I didn’t know. I photographed it. » After research, she was able to confirm her identity with the help of the sitefaune-france.org (which lists local fauna).
Several hypotheses to explain its presence
This small bird is recognizable by its bright colors, a rusty orange underside and a black upper side decorated with a white spot. The Redstart normally lives in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It feeds mainly on insects that it catches in flight.
Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this unusual arrival. Some mention global warming which could disrupt the migrations of the species, while others think of strong winds coming from North Africa. Another hypothesis evokes a phenomenon of “exceeding the area” or even an accidental arrival via boats from Sète. Whatever the case, its presence in Hérault may have delighted fans. One of them assured: “It’s a real pleasure to admire it. »
