Redwing

Turdus iliacus

Genus ยท Typical Thrushes Family ยท Thrushes
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
๐Ÿ•’ Any
Activity
โ˜€๏ธ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Berry bushesFarmlandLeaf litter

Look for the bright red 'armpits' in flight. On the ground, look for the very strong white eyebrow.

Redwing
Stats
Wingspan33โ€“35 cm
Weight50โ€“75 g
Length19โ€“23 cm
Lifespan wild2โ€“12 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCup
Clutch size4โ€“6 eggs
Incubation12โ€“14 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

๐ŸซBerries
๐ŸŽFruits
๐Ÿฆ—Insects
๐ŸŒSnails
๐ŸชฑWorms

Habitat

๐ŸŒฒ Forest coniferous๐ŸŒณ Forest deciduous๐Ÿก Gardenโ›ฐ๏ธ Mountains๐Ÿ™๏ธ Urban
โœฆ Fun Fact

Redwings were the first birds proven to use ultraviolet vision for foraging. The waxy coating on many berries reflects UV light, making them 'glow' against the foliage and helping the birds spot ripe food from a distance

About

Europe's smallest thrush and a winter visitor from the north. It arrives in large flocks in autumn, often traveling at night. It has a bold creamy-white eyebrow and distinctive orange-red patches on its flanks. It favors open fields and hedgerows with berries and worms.

Behaviour

Redwings are social and often mix with Fieldfares. In flight, they give a thin 'tsee-ip' call. This sound is common overhead on dark October nights. When food is scarce, they move into gardens for fallen fruit. They are generally shyer than Blackbirds.
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