The American Redstart is one of the most acrobatic warblers, constantly fanning its tail and wings to startle insects into flight. Males are glossy black with orange patches, while females are gray and yellow. In Arizona, it occurs mainly as a migrant but has occasionally nested in riparian woodlands. Redstarts forage actively, often hovering or darting after prey in midair. Their musical, rising song adds energy to spring migration along desert rivers.
