American redstart

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a New World warbler species. It is a migratory bird, found across North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The American Redstart is known for its vibrant plumage and active feeding behavior.

Description

The American Redstart is a small bird, measuring 11 to 14 cm in length. Males are black with bright orange patches on the sides, wings, and tail. Females and immature males have a similar pattern, but are gray with yellow patches.

Distribution and Habitat

American Redstarts breed in deciduous and mixed forests across North America, from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to California and North Carolina. They winter in Central America, the West Indies, and northern South America. Their preferred habitats are open woodlands and forest edges.

Behavior and Diet

American Redstarts are insectivores, feeding primarily on insects and spiders. They are active foragers, often seen flitting from branch to branch in search of food. Their feeding behavior is characterized by frequent spreading of their tail and wing feathers, which startles insects and makes them easier to catch.

Reproduction

The breeding season of the American Redstart is from May to July. Females build the nest and incubate the eggs, while males defend the territory. The clutch size is typically 2-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days. The chicks fledge after 9 days.

Conservation Status

The American Redstart is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, habitat loss and fragmentation are potential threats to this species.

See Also

• New World warbler
• Bird migration
• Conservation status