ExploreBirds

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

The American Redstart is a small, colorful bird with bright orange and black feathers. It loves to flit around trees and bushes, catching insects and singing cheerful songs.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The American Redstart is a small, active warbler. Males are striking with glossy black plumage and vibrant orange patches on their wings, tail, and sides. Females and immatures are duller, featuring yellowish-gray bodies with bright yellow patches in the same locations.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyParulidaeGenusSetophaga
American Redstart
feathered trait badgeaerial trait badgesinging trait badgecolorful trait badge
American Redstart

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Male redstarts sometimes have two mates at once, juggling two nests!

Redstarts often sing two different songs, one for territory and another for courtship!

Their scientific name, Setophaga, means 'moth-eater' in ancient Greek!

These tiny birds can fly thousands of miles from Canada to South America for winter!

Special abilities

Ability

Insect Flasher

American Redstart can flash its vibrant tail and wing patches because this movement startles insects, making them easier to spot and catch.

Ability

Mid-Air Mover

American Redstart can perform quick aerial acrobatics because its agile body and strong wings allow it to snatch flying insects with precision.

Ability

Leaf Jumper

American Redstart can quickly hop and dart among leaves because its small size and nimble feet help it flush out hidden bugs.

Measurements & details

Length
11-14 cm
Wingspan
16-20 cm
Weight
0.007-0.009 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
10-13 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

Tiny insect-eaters that love catching bugs in the air or gleaning them off leaves.

Primary Foods

  • caterpillars
  • beetles
  • spiders
  • flies
  • moths

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is American Redstart?

11-14 cm

What is American Redstart's wingspan?

16-20 cm

How much does American Redstart weigh?

0.007-0.009 kg

How long does American Redstart live?

2-5 years

How fast can American Redstart move?

35 km/h

What does American Redstart eat?

Tiny insect-eaters that love catching bugs in the air or gleaning them off leaves.

Where is American Redstart usually found?

Forests

How does American Redstart hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds