Redwing

Scientific name: Turdus iliacus

The redwing is a winter visitor, enjoying the feast of seasonal berries the UK's hedgerows, gardens and parks have to offer. Look out for the distinctive orangey-red patches under its wings.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 21cm
Wingspan: 34cm
Weight: 63g
Average lifespan: 2 years

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

When to see

September to April

About

The redwing is a small thrush that visits the UK in the winter to feast on berry-laden bushes in hedgerows, orchards, parks and gardens. Redwings migrate here at night - on clear evenings listen out for their 'tsee' call overhead. They can often be spotted in flocks with fieldfares, moving from bush to bush looking for food. Apples and berry-producing bushes like hawthorn may attract redwings into the garden.

How to identify

The redwing is dark brown above and white below, with a black-streaked breast and distinctive orangey-red flanks and underwing, which the similar song thrush lacks. It has a very smart face pattern, with a white eyebrow stripe and dark brown cheeks.

In our area

Often seen in large flocks with other members of the thrush family, redwings are regular visitors to bushes and trees covered in berries. Look out for them along hedgerows and even in gardens if there are plenty of berries available.