American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
The American Redstart is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the autumn months, particularly in the western and southern regions, where it can be spotted in woodland edges and scrubby areas. It is a notable species due to its distinctive appearance and behaviour, making it a sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify American Redstart in the field.
The American Redstart can be identified by its black back and wings, white underside, and distinctive orange patches on its tail and wings, as well as its white eye ring and black stripe through its eye. Its overall appearance is sleek and agile, with a long, pointed tail.
The American Redstart is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 11-12 cm in length, making it a compact and nimble bird.
The male American Redstart has a black back and wings, with a white underside and orange patches on its tail and wings, giving it a striking and colourful appearance, particularly during the breeding season.
The female American Redstart has a greyish-brown back and wings, with a white underside and yellow patches on its tail and wings, making it less brightly coloured than the male but still distinctive in its own right.
The American Redstart's call is a sharp, high-pitched "tsee" or "tsip", often repeated in a series, while its song is a melodic, whistled phrase that sounds like "zee-zee-zee-zoo".
The American Redstart is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting between branches and chasing after insects in mid-air, with a distinctive habit of fanning its tail and wings to flush out prey.
The American Redstart can be confused with the Blackcap or the Garden Warbler, but can be distinguished by its orange patches and black back, as well as its distinctive call and song, and its more active and agile behaviour.
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