American Redstart

The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is one of the most common of the warbler family and it is one of the most attractive in colour. The male is pure black except for bright orange patches over the wings and tail feathers.

American Redstart sports colorful orange feathers

While in flight, the American Redstart resembles the Monarch butterfly not only in colouring but also in the fact that it catches insects on the wing. The American Redstart may be found throughout most of North America to the south of the tundra region. The birds range in size up to 9 cm and they prefer to live in second-growth deciduous forests, thickets, suburbs and parks.