See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series

Named the American Redstart, this species sounds like it should have red, white and blue colors fit for a Fourth of of July celebration. In Carver County woodlands, its feathers combine orange, yellow, white and black. However, the species is known for spreading its tail like a fan and waving it to gain our attention, so maybe it thinks it’s in a parade! 

Its Latin scientific name is Setophagoa ruticilla, which means moth-eater with a red tail. The “redstart” name is a hold-over from the European version that has red belly and tail feathers. Because its movements in the trees attract the attention of people (as well as insects), a more descriptive name is found in Latin America – “Candelita” which means little candle or little torch.

Redstarts are members of the wood warbler family and their constant hopping through the leaves and branches overhead reflects the neck-straining behavior of its relatives. Unlike most of the other warblers, to our benefit, many of them reside in our county after arriving here in late April and early May. They will stay through the summer and after nesting will begin their migration back to Central and South America in August.

Besides its colorful fantail displays, Redstarts make themselves visible by catching flying insects at varying heights within the forest, but not normally on the ground. Finding this species during its breeding season is also helped by males loudly singing a variety of songs and chips. 

While the male is singing, its mate will be building their nest, forming an open cup with fibers, leaves and paper from wasp nests. Spider webs are used to glue the pieces together. The female lays three or four eggs and incubates them. She receives food from her mate and he will help feed their young until they leave the nest. Interestingly, the parents then divide up the fledglings and only feed their particular set. This will continue for three to four weeks.

Adult males have black backs, white bellies and are brightly marked with orange sides, wing and tail feathers. Females have gray heads and pale bellies, but they too display yellow marks and flash the yellow in their tails. Immature male Redstarts resemble their mothers for a year or more, but dark patches on their face or breast may identify them. The colors of Redstarts may remind us of Baltimore Orioles, but size, behavior and songs set the two species apart.

Defying the norm for Minnesota’s warblers, American Redstarts attract our attention and add excitement to the trees near our houses and along the county’s trails. 

For more information:

• The Sibley Guide to Birds, David Allen Sibley
• Reader’s Digest Book of North American Birds
• Birds of Minnesota, Robert B. Janssen
• The Audubon Society’s Encyclopedia of North American Birds, John K. Terres
• Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Online: All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology LINK
• Online: Minnesota Seasons – Exploring Nature in Minnesota LINK
• Online: Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas