American Redstart

American Redstart ~Photography by Caitlyn Sippel

One of the more acrobatic, energetic and brilliantly coloured warblers is the American Redstart. This Spring is the first that I've ever heard of this warbler, thanks for my mom pointing it out to me. The American Redstart has a unique method of catching its prey. It will fan out its wings and tail while foraging on the ground, scaring insects into moving by flashing its bold colours. To further aid the Redstart in detecting insects, it uses hair-like feathers called rictal bristles at the corners of its mouth. American Redstarts live up to 10 years and can grow 13 cm long with a wingspan of 20 cm.

Voice:

Its call is a harsh tsiip and when in flight it makes a high-pitched sveep. The Redstart's song is high, thin and confusingly variable with its series of notes, such as see-a see-a see-a see-a ZEE-urrr.

Watch this video to hear the Redstart's voice:

Nesting:

Their nests are cups made of rootlets and grass, lined with feathers which are often found in low sections of deciduous trees. They lay 2-5 eggs in 1 to 2 broods from May to July.

Feeding:

At the mid-levels of trees, they glean spiders and insects from leaves, eat fruit, and catch flies and moths while flying.