American Redstart
An energetic woodland warbler that is best welcomed as a migrant or breeding visitor through native trees, shrubs, and abundant insects.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Historical seasonal record
Look for it
Watch deciduous canopy and subcanopy in spring and fall, especially near streams, woodland gaps, and berrying shrubs.
Food
Mostly flying and foliage insects, with some small berries and fruit in late summer.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Open deciduous or mixed woodland, wooded stream edges, young trees, and native berrying shrubs support foraging and migration.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
American Redstart habitat
Open deciduous or mixed woodland, wooded stream edges, young trees, and native berrying shrubs support foraging and migration.
American Redstart diet and food
Mostly flying and foliage insects, with some small berries and fruit in late summer.
Skip conventional seed feeding; native trees, shrubs, and insect-rich planting make a better refueling stop.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Mostly flying and foliage insects, with some small berries and fruit in late summer.
Cover & plants
Open deciduous or mixed woodland, wooded stream edges, young trees, and native berrying shrubs support foraging and migration.
American Redstart nesting and breeding
Builds a tree nest; preserve canopy and subcanopy structure, and never use playback near a potential breeding territory.
American Redstart behavior and where to look
Dashes among twigs and leaves, flashing tail and wing patches that help flush insect prey.
Photography
Use a long lens from a trail or yard edge and let the bird’s own foraging circuit bring it into view.
What to avoid
Do not bait with insects or over-prune native shrubs while birds are using them for migration or nesting.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
