Where does the Painted Redstart live?

The Painted Redstart lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.

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).

Preferred environments

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

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.

Where to look

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.

Migration

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.

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