Painted Redstart

About

The Painted Redstart is a striking New World warbler known for its bold black, white, and red plumage. It is an active insectivore, often seen foraging in the mid-story and canopy of montane forests, fanning its tail and flicking its wings to flush out prey. Its distinctive coloration and behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Size & lifespan

Length

12.5-14 cm (4.9-5.5 in)

Wingspan

19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 in)

Weight

8-10 g (0.28-0.35 oz)

Lifespan

Typically 3-5 years in the wild, with records up to 7 years.

Diet

Insectivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults are predominantly glossy black on the head, back, wings, and tail. A prominent white patch is present on the primary coverts, forming a distinct wing patch. The belly is bright crimson-red, contrasting sharply with the black. The outer tail feathers are white, conspicuous when fanned. A white crescent is present below the eye.

Beak shape

Small, slender, pointed, and black, typical of an insectivorous warbler.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Blackish-gray.

Distinguishing features

The combination of glossy black upperparts, bright red belly, white wing patch, white outer tail feathers, and a white crescent below the eye is unique among North American warblers.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, with sooty-gray to brownish-black plumage replacing the glossy black. The red on the belly is muted or absent, appearing as a dull reddish-brown wash. The white wing patch and eye crescent are present but less distinct. They gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially the same for adults.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are virtually identical in plumage, making them difficult to distinguish visually in the field. Males may be slightly larger on average, but this is not a reliable field mark.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Pattern

   Look for the striking combination of glossy black upperparts, bright crimson-red belly, and prominent white wing patch. The white outer tail feathers are also a key field mark, especially when the tail is fanned.

2. 2

   White Eye Crescent

   A distinct white crescent below the eye is a consistent and helpful identification feature.

3. 3

   Foraging Behavior

   Observe its active foraging style, including frequent tail fanning and wing flicking, often accompanied by short sallies to catch insects. This behavior is characteristic and aids in identification.

4. 4

   Song

   Learn its clear, ringing, whistled song. It's quite distinctive and often given from a high perch, making the bird easier to locate even before seeing it.

5. 5

   Habitat

   Consider the habitat: montane pine-oak woodlands and canyons in the southwestern US and Mexico are prime locations for this species.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Montane evergreen and mixed-evergreen forests, pine-oak woodlands, canyons, and riparian areas.

Geographic range

Southwestern United States (southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas) south through Mexico and into northern Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua).

Elevation range

Typically found at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters (5,000-10,000 feet), though they can occur lower during migration or in winter.

Preferred environments

Prefers steep, shaded canyons with mature trees (oaks, pines, sycamores, alders) and a well-developed understory. Often found near water sources.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders. It is an active and acrobatic forager, gleaning prey from foliage, bark, and branches. It frequently sallies out to catch flying insects in mid-air. A characteristic foraging behavior involves fanning its tail and flicking its wings, presumably to startle and flush out hidden insects.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, they may join mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly during migration and in winter.

Flight pattern

Flight is typically short, undulating, and agile, especially when foraging or sallying for insects. When moving between trees, it can be direct and swift.

Migration pattern

Northern populations (US and northern Mexico) are migratory, moving south to winter in southern Mexico and Central America. Southern populations are largely resident. Migrants arrive in the US breeding grounds in April-May and depart in September-October.

Territoriality

Highly territorial during the breeding season, with males defending their nesting and foraging areas through song and displays.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically May to August in the northern parts of its range, and earlier in tropical regions.

Nesting habits

Nests are usually built on the ground, often on a steep bank, under an overhanging rock, or at the base of a tree or shrub. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of plant fibers, moss, leaves, and rootlets, lined with finer materials like hair and feathers. Both parents participate in nest building.

Clutch size

Usually 3-4 eggs, occasionally 2 or 5.

Egg description

Eggs are typically white or creamy white, sparsely speckled with reddish-brown or purplish spots, often concentrated at the larger end. They measure approximately 17 x 13 mm.

Incubation period

Approximately 12-14 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Nestlings fledge about 10-12 days after hatching. Both parents feed the young.

Parental care

Both male and female participate in incubation (female primarily), brooding, and feeding the nestlings and fledglings. They continue to care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for the song. Its loud, clear song is often the first indication of its presence. Once you hear it, scan the mid-story and canopy of trees.
2. Watch for movement. Painted Redstarts are constantly on the move, flicking their wings and fanning their tails. This activity makes them easier to spot despite their dark upperparts.
3. Check near water. They often prefer canyons and riparian areas, so focus your search along streams and moist slopes.
4. Look for mixed flocks. Outside of the breeding season, they may join mixed-species foraging flocks, so pay attention to other warblers and small insectivores.

Similar species

Quick facts

Distinctive Feature:

Bright red belly contrasting with glossy black upperparts and white wing patch.

Foraging Style:

Active tail-fanning and wing-flicking to flush insects.

Habitat Preference:

Montane pine-oak woodlands and canyons.

Vocalization:

Loud, clear, whistled song.

Nesting:

Ground nester, often on banks or under overhangs.

Fun facts

• The genus name 'Myioborus' means 'fly-eating' or 'fly-hunting', referring to its insectivorous diet and foraging style.
• Its common name 'Redstart' comes from an Old English word meaning 'red tail', referring to the prominent red or orange patches on the tails of some species in the family, though the Painted Redstart's tail is primarily black and white with no red.
• The tail-fanning and wing-flicking behavior is thought to be a form of 'flushing' behavior, startling insects into movement so the bird can catch them.
• Despite its striking colors, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot when it's still, as its black upperparts blend into shaded foliage.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Parulidae

Genus

Myioborus

Species

Myioborus pictus

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