It’s migration time for many of our feathered friends and I’m seeing a number of birds that aren’t native to Florida at all, but do pass through on their journey. One of those birds is the American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), a small, colorful member of the warbler family. One passed through here last year, but I was not able to get any photos of it. This adult male visited last week, and I was more successful. The males are mostly black with orange patches on the wings and tail and a white breast. Females and immature males are a greyish blue above with a white breast and yellow wing and tail spots. Like most warblers they are small and very active. They eat mainly insects, which they frighten out of the foliage by flashing their colorful wings and tails and then grabbing them in mid air or off of leaves.

American redstarts breed throughout a large part of North America (but not Florida) and like woody habitats, preferably near water. Most males are monogamous, but a portion of them may take on a second mate in a second territory as well. Females do most of the incubation of eggs and rearing of the young. The nest is usually located in a bush or scrub area a few feet off the ground and looks like a small cup. During the winter these birds spend their time in Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean.

American redstarts are considered a species of least concern and their populations seem to be relatively stable. There have been some losses due to use of insecticides and habitat loss, especially in their wintering grounds. Shade grown coffee plantations have helped with habitat losses, although they still aren’t the same as undisturbed habitats. Like all migratory birds, they have benefitted from the protections now afforded them through the Migratory Bird Act. Although it would be great if these birds lived around here at least part of the time, I’m always happy to see them as they migrate through.