Species BirdsAmerican Redstart

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

CommonBird
Illustration of American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)

The American Redstart is an energetic warbler that constantly fans its tail and droops its wings, flashing vivid orange (male) or yellow (female) patches to startle insects into flight. It is nicknamed the 'candelita' (little torch) in Latin America for its glowing tail patches. It is one of the most frequently banded warblers at migration stations across North America.

Habitat
Second-growth deciduous forests and woodland edges
Diet
Flying insects, spiders, and small fruits
How common
Common

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