Where does the American Redstart live?
Setophaga ruticilla
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Open the appThe American Redstart lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, forest edges, riparian zones, and shrubby clearings.
Geographic range
Breeds across southern Canada and the eastern and north-central United States. Winters from southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, as well as the Caribbean islands.
Preferred environments
Prefers areas with dense understory and a mix of deciduous trees, often near water. During migration, they can be found in a wider variety of wooded habitats, including suburban parks and gardens.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), though occasionally higher in some parts of its wintering range.
Where to look
Deciduous and Mixed Forests
Look in the mid-story and canopy of mature deciduous or mixed forests, especially those with a dense understory.
Forest Edges and Riparian Zones
They are often found along the edges of forests, in clearings with regenerating shrubs, and particularly in woodlands near rivers or streams.
Suburban Parks and Gardens (Migration)
During migration, they can appear in almost any wooded patch, including urban parks, suburban backyards with mature trees, and hedgerows.
Field tips
- Look for Movement. American Redstarts are rarely still. Their constant flitting and tail-fanning behavior makes them conspicuous even in dense foliage. Focus on areas with active insect life.
- Listen for Song. Learn their distinctive song. Males sing frequently during the breeding season, which is often the easiest way to locate them before seeing them.
- Scan Mid-Story to Canopy. They typically forage in the middle to upper layers of trees and shrubs, so direct your gaze upwards. Binoculars are essential.
- Visit During Migration. During spring and fall migration, they can be found in a wider variety of habitats and may be more concentrated, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
Migration
Long-distance Neotropical migrant. They migrate individually or in small groups, primarily at night. Spring migration occurs from April to May, and fall migration from August to October.
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