American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

American Redstarts are one of the most common warblers to breed in the United States.   The male has a habit of "posing", spreading his wings and tail as if showing off its beautiful coloring, and is typically very active.  Males are much more brilliantly colored, with patches of orange-red on its black upperparts (photo to the right). Females are much more muted in color (see photos at bottom of the page).

Habitat: Prefers edges and clearings of deciduous to mixed forest, also riparian areas and isolated groves. 

Diet: Mostly insects, occasionally fruits and berries, seeds.

Behavior: Extremely active while foraging, flitting from location to location, actively clambering over vegetation and flying out to catch insects. 

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: American Redstart Song, also American Redstart Call

Migration: Neotropical migrant, summering in the eastern and northern U.S. and Canada, wintering in Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Similar Species: Generally distinctive, especially males.

Conservation Status: Possibly showing slight declines.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, American Redstart

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - American Redstart"

3) eNature.com: American Redstart

Photo Information: June 3rd, 2007 - Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution American Redstart photos.