A bird painted in an outstanding combination of striking red and black rendering him practically unmistakable!
Meet the Painted Redstart
“850 – PAINTED REDSTART (9-4-11) upper humbolt cyn, scc, az – (1)” by Sloalan is marked with CC0 1.0.
The Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus) stands out unmistakably from other species due to its striking combination of bold black, red, and white colors, making it easily identifiable. This large warbler exhibits glossy black plumage throughout the year, adorned with a distinctive large white wing bar formed by the median and greater coverts. The tertials are edged in white, and the outer tail feathers are white, while the median feathers are black. A red patch on the belly contrasts against the black underparts, and the vent is whitish. The head displays glossy black coloring with a white crescent behind the eye. The bill is thin, pointed, and blackish, complementing the bird’s black eyes, legs, and feet.
“Painted Redstart” by Wildreturn is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (cropped)
The Painted Redstart is found throughout many mountainous regions throughout North America.
“850 – PAINTED REDSTART (7-29-09) miller cyn, cochise co, az – a (6)” by Sloalan is marked with CC0 1.0.
The Painted Redstart occupies semi-humid oak and pine-oak woodlands with dense undergrowth and access to water during both its breeding and wintering seasons. In Central America, it can also be found in arid to semi-humid woodlands. During the winter, some Painted Redstarts migrate to lower altitudes.
“Painted Redstart | Hunter Canyon | Huachuca Mtns | Sierra Vista | AZ | 2015-09-03at11-59-373” by Bettina Arrigoni is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (cropped)
This active bird prefers shady areas in canyon bottoms or densely wooded slopes for foraging. It searches for food from the ground level up to the tree canopy, inspecting twigs, trunks, and leaves for insects and spiders (Araneae). The Painted Redstart employs various feeding techniques, including gleaning from leaves and branches, hover gleaning, and catching insects on the wing through hawking.
“Painted Redstart | Hunter Canyon | Huachuca Mtns | Sierra Vista | AZ | 2015-09-03at11-59-394” by Bettina Arrigoni is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (cropped)
During the breeding season, male Painted Redstarts establish territories by singing at the boundaries. They engage in courtship displays, which may include tail-fanning and song, to attract females. The pair forages together, and the male actively chases the female through the vegetation during energetic flights, accompanied by courtship calls. After forming a pair bond, they remain close together, and their singing activity decreases.
“Painted Redstart | NM 15 | Gila National Forest | NM | 2015-06-19at10-00-355” by Bettina Arrigoni is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (cropped)
The female lays 3 to 4 white or creamy eggs speckled with brown spots. Incubation, done solely by the female, lasts approximately 13 to 14 days. The male feeds the female at the nest during this period. The altricial chicks have some black down on their back and head and are completely feathered by 9 days old. They are fed by both parents and brooded by the female. The parents clean the nest, removing fecal sacs and eggshells. Young Painted Redstarts leave the nest at around 13 days of age. The species may produce two broods per season, and their nests can sometimes be parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds and Bronzed Cowbirds.
“REDSTART, PAINTED (6-18-09) madera cyn, az-04” by Sloalan is marked with CC0 1.0.
Information on specific threats to the Painted Redstart is limited. However, disturbances close to the nest, parasitism, and disturbances during incubation may lead to nest abandonment by the female.
“Painted Redstart” by cameracl눱 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Painted Redstart is a remarkable bird with its vibrant plumage and intriguing behaviors, making it a captivating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
“Painted Redstart” by Wildreturn is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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