Slate-throated Redstart

Overview

The Slate-throated Redstart occupies humid montane forests across a broad range from Mexico through Central America and into parts of South America, typically at middle to high elevations. It forages actively, frequently fanning and flicking its tail to flush insects, flashing the white in its outer tail feathers.

Its feather pattern combines an overall slate-gray tone with a warm reddish belly patch, distinguishing it from most similarly gray-toned birds sharing its habitat.

Recognizing the Feathers

• Back & throat feathers: slate-gray, unstreaked
• Belly feathers: reddish to orange-red, contrasting with the gray upperparts
• Tail feathers: dark with broad white edges or patches on the outer feathers, prominent during tail-fanning behavior
• Face feathers: slate-gray with little facial patterning

The white in the outer tail feathers combined with the reddish belly against slate-gray upperparts is a strong identifying combination for loose feathers from this species.

Plumage

Sexes look alike, both showing slate-gray upperparts and throat with a reddish belly patch and white-edged outer tail feathers; juveniles are duller, with the reddish belly patch less developed. There is no strong seasonal plumage change, with molt occurring after the breeding season.

Habitat & Range

This species inhabits humid montane forest and forest edge from central Mexico south through Central America and into the Andes of South America, generally favoring middle to upper elevations. Many populations are largely resident, though some undergo local elevational movements.

Behavior & Field Notes

Slate-throated Redstarts forage actively at low to mid levels, frequently fanning their tail and drooping their wings to flush insects from foliage, a behavior shared with other American redstarts. Nests are typically built on sloped banks or among roots in forest understory. Its song is a thin, variable warble typical of foliage-gleaning warblers.