American Redstarts are one of the most common warblers to breed in the United States, including in South Dakota. They are more easily observed than many warbler species in South Dakota, given their tendency to often forage relatively low in forest undergrowth or along the forest floor. They are an extremely active species, not only moving from spot to spot as they forage, but constantly shifting body position and fanning the tail, particularly the males.
Habitat
Prefers edges and clearings of deciduous to mixed forest, also riparian areas and isolated groves.
Diet
Mostly insects, occasionally fruits and berries, seeds.
Behavior
Extremely active while foraging, flitting from location to location, actively clambering over vegetation and flying out to catch insects. American Redstarts are known for frequent tail fanning while foraging.
Nesting
June and July in South Dakota. The nest of an American Redstart is a small cup, constructed of grasses, weed stems, leaves, animal hair, small roots and other bits of vegetation, and is generally lined with fine grasses and animal hair. The nest is placed in a tree or shrub, usually between 8 and 20 feet from the ground. The female lays 2 to 5 eggs, and she alone incubates them. The young hatch after about 12 days, and fledge from the nest about 10–13 days after hatching.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive eBird map of American Redstart sightings
Song
The song of an American Redstart is a series of thin, rapid chew-chew-chew notes. Both males and females have a variety of different call notes, from single chip notes to multi-syllable calls.
- Click here to hear the song of an American Redstart
- Click here to hear the call of an American Redstart
- Click here to hear short chip calls of an American Redstart
Migration
Neotropical migrant, summering in the eastern and northern U.S. and Canada, wintering in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Similar Species
American Redstarts are generally distinctive if seen well, especially males. Given the general paucity of bird species here with predominantly black and orange plumage, the birds most likely to be confused with an American Redstart at first glance may be the Baltimore Oriole or Bullock's Oriole in South Dakota. Differences are apparent when seen well, however, as both oriole species are much larger than an American Redstart, have orange on the belly instead of white, and have a substantially larger bill. Behavior also distinguishes them, as American Redstarts are often relatively low in vegetation, with a distinctive, very active foraging pattern that includes frequent fanning of the tail while moving about.
Conservation Status
Standard surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey show small population declines in recent decades. However, they are found across an extremely broad geographic range, and their numbers are quite high in many parts of that range. The IUCN considers the American Redstart to be a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information
- eBird - American Redstart
- Audubon Field Guide - American Redstart
- Cornell All About Birds - American Redstart
Photo Information
June 3rd, 2007 - Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota -- Terry Sohl.
Audio File Credits
- Anthony Gliozzo. Recorded in Washington State on May 30th, 2019. Original recording and information from xeno-canto.
- William Whitehead. Recorded in Monmouth County, New Jersey on May 4th, 2018. Original recording and information from xeno-canto.
- Ross Gallardy. Recorded in Jamaica on March 9th, 2016. Original recording and information from xeno-canto.
