Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus
The Slaty-throated Redstart is a somewhat atypical species in that its overall underside color gradually changes from red in its northern range to this yellow color in its more southern range. This photo is from the Monteverde region of Costa Rica, and is typical or the more southern birds of this species. Many people feel that the birds should be named "Whitestarts" because the most priminant feature of the class as a whole is the prominent white pattern of their tail. If you look closely on this bird you can see a tiny patch of red on the top of its head. The bold white tail patches are often fanned to startle insects which are then captured and eaten.
These are a member of the New World Warbler family of birds, and are primarily small active insectivorious birds. Some species of the wood warbler family are long distance migrants, breeding far north of their winter territiries. This species though remains resident in a relatively small area throughout its life.
Thanks for reading.
Good birding.
