Home / Birds /

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)

The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a vibrant, small migratory songbird known for its striking orange and black plumage, particularly in males. During the breeding season, these active birds can be seen flitting through the upper branches of trees, where males often engage in lively chases.

Identification and Whereabouts

Males are easily recognizable by their intense orange patches set against black feathers. Females, however, are more challenging to identify, with their bluish-grey heads and yellow spots on the sides. Typically, males are spotted first due to their active flight patterns, while females can be found nearby, though they are more discreet.

The American Redstart is a migratory bird, with the first individuals appearing in spring. They prefer dense vegetation of bushes and trees, making them more challenging to spot once the leaves have grown. During the breeding season, males are particularly active, often engaging in lively chases. Females are usually nearby but are better hidden and less active.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-01-10