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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXIV
Field-journal plate: American Redstart
The American Redstart plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXIV

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

Parulidae · Taxon 10247

Length11–13 cm (4.3–5.1 in)
Wingspan16–19 cm (6.3–7.5 in)
Weight6–9 g (0.2–0.3 oz)

Field marks

  1. Small, slim warbler with a broad, flat black bill and dark eye
  2. Adult male mostly black with vivid orange patches on the sides, wings, and tail
  3. Female and immature male gray and olive-brown with yellow to yellow-orange patches
  4. Pale white to gray belly contrasts with the darker upperparts
  5. Fairly long dark tail with colored basal panels; legs and feet black

HabitatMoist, open deciduous and mixed woodland, especially second-growth forest with a dense shrubby layer; also thickets and streamside woods. During migration it uses varied wooded or shrubby habitats, while nonbreeding habitats include forest, scrub, and mangroves.

BehaviorHighly active insectivore that flits through foliage, gleans prey, and darts after insects in flight. Frequently flicks and fans its wings and tail to flush prey; migrates mostly at night and defends territories.

Palette

coal blackflame orangegolden yellowsoft graycreamy white