Redwing
Turdus iliacus
The Redwing is a winter visitor to Britain, typically seen from October to March, and is most notable for its distinctive appearance and ground-foraging behaviour, often found in open fields and woodland edges. It is a relatively common sight in the UK during the winter months, particularly in the north and west.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Redwing in the field.
The Redwing can be identified at a glance by its reddish-brown flanks, white underside, and grey-brown back, as well as its distinctive white stripe above the eye and dark spots on its breast. Its overall appearance is also characterized by a rounded body and a short, sharp tail.
The Redwing is slightly smaller than the related Song Thrush, and is roughly the same size as a Blackbird, making it a medium-sized bird that is easily recognizable in the field.
The male Redwing has a grey-brown back, reddish-brown flanks, and a white underside with dark spots on its breast, with a distinctive white stripe above the eye, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Redwing is similar to the male, with a slightly duller colouration, but overall, the female's plumage is virtually indistinguishable from that of the male.
The Redwing's call is a sharp, high-pitched "tseep" or "tsip" sound, often repeated in a series, while its song is a melodic, whistling phrase that is typically heard during the breeding season.
Redwings are ground-foraging birds that feed on a variety of invertebrates, fruits, and berries, often running or hopping along the ground in search of food, and they have a distinctive, swift flight style with rapid wingbeats.
The Redwing can be confused with the Song Thrush, but can be distinguished by its reddish-brown flanks and white stripe above the eye, as well as its more subdued, grey-brown back, and its overall smaller size.
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