Painted Redstart
Myioborus pictus
DescriptionThe Painted Redstart is the only member of its genus that regularly occurs in the United States. Despite its common name, the Painted Redstart is not particularly closely related to the American Redstart. The name "redstart" was taken from a European thrush that has a bold reddish tail pattern. While foraging, the Painted Redstart flashes its white wing patches and outer tail feathers to flush insects, which it then persues and captures. Its foraging method is unique among American warblers.
General: 5 to 6 inches in length. Sexes similar.
Adult: Overall black plumage. Red lower breast and belly. White wing patches and outer tail feathers. Small white crescent under each eye. Thin, pointed, black bill. Black legs.
Juvenile: Dark gray plumage. White wing patches and outer tail feathers. Thin, pointed bill.
Mountain riparian and arid woodlands.
Nesting3-7 white eggs with brown speckles. The eggs have a 13-14 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 9-13 days. The nest is an open cup made of grass and pine needles. The nest is typically built on the ground, on slopes, or on rock walls.
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