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The American redstart is considered a warbler, which can be recognized by its brilliantly colored feathers. Because of this, warblers are seen as the tiny jewels of Ohio's bird families. They are very active - constantly flittering around. Most are yellow with black-and-white markings. Their plumage varies considerably from spring to fall, juvenile to adult, and male to female. The tail is square, often with white markings. Warblers feed almost entirely on insects gleaned from leaves and twigs with their slender bills. Members of this family abound in any Ohio woodland or brushy area during the spring and fall migration seasons. In spring their buzz-like songs (not warbling) fill the air with a delightful chorus.
Listen
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American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
At-a-Glance
• Incubation: 12 days
• Clutch Size: 4 eggs
• Young Fledge: 9 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: insects |
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Description
The male redstart is black with bright orange patches on its wings and tail. The female is an olive or gray color with yellow patches on the wings and tail.
Habitat and Habits
The American redstart can be found in the dense understory shrubs of forests, especially around water. This species is hyperactive, constantly fanning its tail and flicking its wings, exposing the bright orange flashes in its plumage. In females, the orange is replaced with yellow, and if a "yellowstart" is observed singing, it is a first-year male, as it takes this species two years to mature. Redstarts have quite a variable range in songs.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
The redstart's nest is a cup made of bark shreds, plant fibers, and spiderweb lined with fine grass and hair. It is usually placed in the fork of a sapling or next to the trunk of a tree. |
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