How to identify the Painted Redstart

To correctly identify the Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

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)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Blackish-gray.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• 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.
• White Eye Crescent. A distinct white crescent below the eye is a consistent and helpful identification feature.
• 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.
• 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.
• Habitat. Consider the habitat: montane pine-oak woodlands and canyons in the southwestern US and Mexico are prime locations for this species.

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