American Redstart song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the American Redstart, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The song is a series of high-pitched, clear, whistled notes, often ending with an emphatic, slightly buzzy note. It can be described as 'swee swee swee SWEE-tsi' or 'tsee tsee tsee tsee-o'. Males often have multiple song types.

Calls

Common calls include a sharp 'chip' note, a softer 'tchip', and a high-pitched 'seet' call, especially during migration.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently during the breeding season to attract mates and defend territory, primarily in the mornings and evenings. Calls are given year-round, particularly when agitated or during foraging.

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