About the Painted Whitestart
The painted redstart or painted whitestart is a species of New World warbler found in mountainous areas across inland Central America. They are among the largest warblers, reaching the length of 6 inches (150 mm), tail included. Adult birds have glossy black plumage, with white strips on the wing and a bright red belly. Female and male birds have similar appearance. Unusually for warblers, females are known to be as proficient at singing as their male counterparts.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The painted redstart is the largest species of Myioborus, measuring 5.1–5.9 in (13–15 cm) in length, 8.3 inches (21 cm) in wingspan and having a weight of 0.3–0.4 oz (8.5–11.3 g). The sexes are the same in plumage, though males average slightly larger than females. The adult is mostly black, with a bright red lower breast and belly, large white wing patches, white outer tail feathers and white crescents below its eyes. The bill and legs are blackish. The juvenile painted redstart lacks the red belly and glossy black plumage of the adult. Voice: Painted redstarts are unusual amongst birds, and especially amongst warblers, in that the female is capable of singing just as well as a male, and during spring courtship a pair will often bond by singing together.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Painted Whitestart sounds like
Where the Painted Whitestart lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see the Painted Whitestart
Peak activity in April · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Golden-fronted WhitestartMyioborus ornatusThe golden-fronted whitestart or the golden-fronted redstart, is a species of bird in the family Parulidae.
Spectacled WhitestartMyioborus melanocephalusThe spectacled whitestart generally weighs between 10 and 13 grams, and is between 13 and 13.5 centimetres (5.1 and 5.3 in) long.
Collared WhitestartMyioborus torquatusThe collared whitestart is around 13 centimetres (5 in) in length with a weight of 10.5 grams (0.4 oz).
Side by side: Painted Whitestart vs Slate-throated Whitestart
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