Painted Redstart

The Painted Redstart is a boldly patterned wood-warbler that brings a splash of color to the shaded oak canyons of the southwestern United States. Jet-black overall, it is set off by a brilliant red breast patch, a large white wing patch, and white outer tail feathers, making it one of the most eye-catching warblers in North America.

Unlike many warblers that stay hidden in dense foliage, Painted Redstarts are conspicuous and confiding, frequently seen foraging in the open, fanning their tails and drooping their wings in a distinctive display that flushes insects into view.

Key field marks

• Glossy black head, back, and throat
• Bright red lower breast and belly patch
• Bold white patch on the folded wing
• White outer tail feathers, conspicuous when the tail is fanned
• White crescent below the eye

Similar species

Painted Redstart is essentially unmistakable within its range; no other North American warbler shows this combination of black body, red belly, and white wing patch. Slate-throated Redstart, a rare Mexican stray, lacks the white wing patch and has a red throat rather than a black one.

Habitat

This species is closely tied to shaded, humid canyons with mature oaks, often mixed with pines and sycamores, typically at mid to upper elevations in mountain ranges.

Range

In the US, Painted Redstarts breed in the mountains of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and the Big Bend region of west Texas. The species ranges more widely south through the highlands of Mexico to Nicaragua.

Migration

Most US populations withdraw to Mexico for the winter, though small numbers regularly linger in southeastern Arizona canyons year-round, making it one of the more likely warblers to be seen there in winter.

Behavior

Painted Redstarts forage energetically, hopping along branches and trunks while constantly fanning their black-and-white tails and drooping their wings, a behavior thought to startle insects into flushing so the bird can snap them up, often by sallying out in short flycatching sorties.

Voice

The song is a rich, cheerful series of whistled phrases, often rendered as "weeta-weeta-weeta-wee," delivered from an open perch. The call is a distinctive, sharp "chip."

Nesting

Nests are built on the ground on shaded, often steep canyon slopes, tucked under overhanging grass, rocks, or roots. Females lay 3-4 eggs, and pairs are often seen together year-round, even outside the breeding season.