American Redstart in March
Where American redstarts are in March, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
March in the American Redstart's year
March is a month of transition. Winter visitors begin drifting north, the first spring migrants appear in the South, and resident birds are in full song. Weather swings hard — a warm week can push migration early, and a late blizzard can catch migrants short of food.
For the American Redstart specifically, March is a spring month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 56 states and provinces where American redstarts occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where American redstarts are in March
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In March, American redstarts are absent in the South, winter visitor across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in March
American redstarts are not nesting in March. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, American redstarts put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in March
- Migrates to the tropics
Fans its bright tail to flush insects. A common migrant at birdbaths in wooded yards.
Migration brings new faces to feeders. Keep seed fresh and watch for birds passing through that you won't see again until fall.
Full American Redstart diet guide → · Best feeder for American redstarts →
Watching American redstarts this month
American redstarts are settled and predictable in March, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region American redstarts are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
American Redstart month by month
American Redstart by state
Frequently asked
Where are American redstarts in March?
In March, American redstarts are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do American redstarts nest in March?
No — American redstarts typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do American redstarts eat in March?
Migrates to the tropics.
Sources
- American Redstart — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Redstart life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Redstart — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.