American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
Silhouette: Dylan GE Gomes · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyParulidae (New World Warblers)
- GenusSetophaga (Setophaga Warblers)
- SpeciesSetophaga ruticilla (American Redstart)
About the American Redstart
The American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a New World warbler. It is only distantly related to the Old World (common) redstart, with both belonging to the order Passeriformes. The American redstart was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae under the binomial name Motacilla ruticilla.
The genus name Setophaga is from Ancient Greek σής : sēs (genitive σητός : sētós) "moth", and φάγος : phágos "eater". The specific ruticilla is Neo-Latin for "redstart" from Latin rutilus, "red", and the diminutive -cilla.
In Ancient Greek the name was φοινίκουρος : phoiníkouros (from φοῖνιξ : phoĩnix- "red" and οὐρά : ourá "tail") "Redstart" refers to the male's red tail, "start" being an old word for tail. The American redstart is a smallish warbler. It measures 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in) in total length and has a wingspan of 16 to 23 cm (6.3 to 9.1 in). Its length is boosted by a relatively long tail and it is one of the lightest birds in its family. Weight is considerably less in winter than in summer. Males weigh an average of 8.6 g (0.30 oz) in summer but drop to 7.2 g (0.25 oz) in winter, while females drop even... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of American Redstart in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Hooded Warbler
Setophaga citrina
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Setophaga pensylvanica
Yellow Warbler
Setophaga petechia
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Yellow-throated Warbler
Setophaga dominica
Black-throated Green Warbler
Setophaga virens
Bay-breasted Warbler
Setophaga castanea
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga coronata
Grace's Warbler
Setophaga graciae
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Setophaga caerulescens
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a American Redstart in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a American Redstart sighting in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, based on 462 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see American Redstart in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
February has the highest sighting rate for American Redstart in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in our monthly data.