noun
redstart
RED-start
Redstart (noun) means any of various small insect-eating birds, mainly of the genus Phoenicurus, many of which have a red tail. Example: “A redstart flicked its tail on the garden wall.”
noun
1
Any of various small insect-eating birds, mainly of the genus Phoenicurus, many of which have a red tail.
"A redstart flicked its tail on the garden wall."
"Many redstarts have a red tail."
"She photographed a redstart hunting insects on the ground."
2
In Canada and the United States, a warbler of the Americas, Setophaga ruticilla, which is only distantly related to the other redstarts.
"The American redstart is a warbler."
"We saw a redstart in the trees near the lake."
How to use redstart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small bird, often with a red tail, that feeds on insects.
When to use it
It is a standard word, mostly used by birdwatchers.
Common pairings
a male redstart
a redstart in the hedge
the American redstart
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A _____ flicked its tail on the garden wall.
Etymology
It comes from Middle English and combines red with start, an old word meaning tail. Dutch roodstaart and Danish rødstjert are comparable words.
Synonyms
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redtail
Frequently asked questions
What is a redstart?
A redstart is a small insect-eating bird, mainly of the genus Phoenicurus. Many kinds have a red tail.
Why is it called a redstart?
The name joins red with an old word, start, meaning tail. Many redstarts have a red tail.
Is the American redstart related to other redstarts?
Only distantly. The American redstart is a warbler, Setophaga ruticilla.
What is the meaning of redstart?
"redstart" (noun) means any of various small insect-eating birds, mainly of the genus Phoenicurus, many of which have a red tail.
