Turdus iliacus
Redwing
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.
Length
20cm to 24cm
Wingspan
33cm to 35cm
Weight
50g to 75g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Red Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Main predators of Redwings include Sparrowhawks, Peregrine Falcons, and other birds of prey. Ground-nesting individuals are also vulnerable to foxes and domestic cats.
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Turdus iliacus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22708819A110990927.
View sourcejournalArticle, 2006: Moller, Sociality, age at first reproduction and senescence: comparative analyses of birds, J Evol Biol, 19:682-689