American Redstart in October
Where American redstarts are in October, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
October in the American Redstart's year
October brings the year's great turnover. The last long-distance migrants depart, winter visitors arrive from the North, and sparrows flood back into brushy edges and feeder yards. The first hard frosts end the insect season across most of the continent.
For the American Redstart specifically, October is a fall 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 October
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In October, 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 October
American redstarts are not nesting in October. 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 October
- Migrates to the tropics
Fans its bright tail to flush insects. A common migrant at birdbaths in wooded yards.
This is the month to get winter feeding stations established — birds are scouting the food sources they'll rely on all winter.
Full American Redstart diet guide → · Best feeder for American redstarts →
Watching American redstarts this month
American redstarts are settled and predictable in October, 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 October?
In October, American redstarts are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do American redstarts nest in October?
No — American redstarts typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do American redstarts eat in October?
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.