Redwing

Turdus iliacus

A flash of rusty-red under the wing signals this charming thrush's arrival, often signalling the start of winter across Europe and beyond.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Redwing is a small thrush with distinctive rusty-red flanks and underwing. Its upperparts are brown, while the underparts are white with dark streaks. A prominent pale stripe above the eye contrasts with its dark brown head.

Both sexes look similar, both with black eyes, a yellow bill with a black tip, and pinkish legs. Juveniles appear similar to adults but have pale streaks on the upperparts and lack the characteristic rusty flanks.

Winter plumage is slightly duller than breeding plumage, but the red flanks remain a key identifier year-round.

Size

Length

20cm to 24cm

Wingspan

33cm to 35cm

Weight

50g to 75g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown White

Secondary Colour

Red Buff

Beak Colour

Brown

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Redwings breed in northern Europe and Asia, from Iceland to eastern Siberia. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and tundra with scattered trees for nesting. During winter, they migrate south to milder climates.

In the UK, Redwings are common winter visitors, arriving in large numbers from October onwards. They can be found in a variety of habitats including fields, parks, and gardens across the British Isles. They rarely forage in towns and cities, so head to the countryside for your best chance.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 40
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 90

Diet

Redwings primarily feed on invertebrates such as earthworms, insects, snails, and spiders during the breeding season. They find a lot of their prey searching through leaf litter.

In autumn and winter, they switch to a more frugivorous diet, consuming berries and fruits, particularly rowan, hawthorn, and holly.

These birds rarely visit bird feeders, although they could be tempted with apples and mealworms in snowy conditions when they are more likely to venture into gardens.

Behaviour

Redwings are often seen foraging on the ground in flocks, probing for invertebrates with quick, jerky movements. During migration, they travel in large groups, often at night.

In breeding territories, males become fiercely protective, chasing away intruders with aggressive displays.

Vocalisation

The Redwing's call is a thin, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'sip', often heard during nocturnal migration. Its song is a varied, melodious warble reminiscent of other thrushes but with a distinctive, slightly melancholic quality. In flight, they produce a soft, whistling 'seeip' sound.

Nesting & Breeding

Redwings form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in May. Males establish territories and attract females with melodious songs.

Nests are cup-shaped structures made of grass, moss, and mud, usually placed low in trees or shrubs. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents share incubation duties.

The incubation period lasts about 13 days, with chicks fledging after another 10-14 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in favourable conditions.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Near Threatened [1]

Listed as Near Threatened, Redwing populations are declining in parts of their range due to habitat loss and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving breeding habitats in northern Europe and maintaining suitable wintering grounds in southern regions.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

98,000,000 - 151,000,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Redwings in open fields and parks during the winter months
  • Listen for their thin, high-pitched call, especially at night during migration
  • Observe flocking behaviour with other thrush species like Fieldfares
  • In the UK, check berry-laden hedgerows and orchards in autumn and winter

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Red-winged Thrush

Family:

Turdidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 5 years

Max Lifespan

18.8 years [4]

Predators

Main predators of Redwings include Sparrowhawks, Peregrine Falcons, and other birds of prey. Ground-nesting individuals are also vulnerable to foxes and domestic cats.

Did You Know?

  1. Redwings can travel up to 800 km (around 500 miles) in a single night during migration.
  2. They have excellent night vision, allowing them to navigate and forage in low light conditions.
  3. Redwings are known to form mixed flocks with Fieldfares, another thrush species, during winter.

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Turdus iliacus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22708819A110990927.

    View source
  2. 4

    journalArticle, 2006: Moller, Sociality, age at first reproduction and senescence: comparative analyses of birds, J Evol Biol, 19:682-689