american redstart

1. Bird Name
English: American Redstart
Scientific: Setophaga ruticilla

2. Appearance
The American Redstart is a vibrant songbird whose males exhibit a striking contrast of black and orange feathers, often taking on a more crimson tone in the right lighting. Males also feature large patches of color at the base of the wings and tail. The females are distinctively different, dressed in grayish-olive with yellow patches instead of orange. Juveniles similarly follow the females’ color pattern but are paler. The redstart’s beak is thin and pointed, perfectly structured for catching insects, and they have dark, expressive eyes.

3. Size
On average, a fully grown American Redstart is about 12-14 cm or 4.7-5.5 inches in length. They span a wingspan ranging from 16-20 cm or 6.3-7.9 inches. The redstarts are quite lightweight, typically weighing between 6.5 – 9 grams, about the same as three pennies.

4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds are commonly found across North America and can be sighted as far up as Alaska and Newfoundland. They are primarily migratory, spending summers in deciduous forests in North America and migrating to Central and South America in winters. Their preferred habitats include openings in second-growth woods, streamside trees, and shade trees.

5. Interesting Facts
Known as “flutter-chasers,” the American Redstart is adept at pursuit, able to catch insects in mid-air or pluck them from trees. Rather than building new nests each year, American Redstarts frequently reclaim and renovate old ones. Their word “redstart” derives from Old English meaning “red tail,” though ironically, they do not have red tails.

6. Diet
These redstarts are strictly insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects and arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and flies. They also occasionally enjoy the occasional berry.

7. Behavior & Sounds
American Redstarts are active foragers. They exhibit a distinct behavior of frequently spreading their tails and wings, showing off their bright patches to startle insect prey into flight. Their song echoes the forest with a “see-sit” or a “wree-e-e-e.” They communicate agitation or excitement with a series of “chip” notes.

8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List labels the American Redstart as a species of Least Concern, thanks in large part to the bird’s widespread range and large population. However, they are affected reducing forest habitats due to logging and development.

9. Lifespan
American Redstarts live for about 2-5 years in the wild, though one individual was recorded to have lived for 10 years – an impressive feat for such a small bird.

10. Additional Notes
Often called “candelita” in Spanish, translating to “little flame,” referring to the male’s bright patches. American Redstarts’ nesting success is attacked frequently by brood parasites, particularly brown-headed cowbirds. Their migratory behavior makes them important ecological connectors, linking ecosystems across hemispheres. Their role in controlling insect populations makes them a valuable contributor to the biodiversity of the forests they inhabit. They’re also a favorite among bird watchers for their vibrant colors and active feeding habits.