Redwing

The Redwing, Turdus iliacus, is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae. This bird is native to Europe and the Palearctic and is slightly smaller than its relative, the Song Thrush. With a rounded head, longish pointed wings, and typically melodious song, it is a medium-sized thrush characterized by its red flanks and underwing, and a creamy white stripe above the eye.

Identification Tips

Adult Redwings measure 20–24 cm in length, with a wingspan of 33–34.5 cm and a weight ranging from 50–75 g. Both sexes share a similar appearance, sporting plain brown backs and dark brown spots on their white underparts. The red flanks and underwing are the bird's most distinctive features, along with the creamy white stripe above the eye.

Habitat

The Redwing breeds in northern regions of Europe and the Palearctic, favoring conifer and birch forests as well as tundra environments. It is known to construct nests in shrubs or directly on the ground.

Distribution

This migratory species breeds from Iceland and northernmost Scotland, east through Scandinavia and Russia, and has recently expanded its range into northern Ukraine and southern Greenland. In winter, it travels to western, central, and southern Europe, north-west Africa, and south-west Asia as far as northern Iran.

Behaviour

Redwings are social birds, often forming loose flocks during migration and wintering, sometimes mingling with other thrush species. They are known for their nomadic tendencies and do not typically return to the same wintering areas each year. Their nocturnal migration is marked by a distinctive "Tseep" call.

Song & Calls

The male Redwing's song is a varied and short melody, complemented by a whistling flight call. There is a notable dialectic variation in their song, with birds within the same local population sharing similar song patterns.

Breeding

Redwings lay four to six eggs per clutch in a neatly constructed nest. The eggs, measuring about 2.6 x 1.9 cm and weighing 4.6 grams, hatch after 12–13 days. Fledglings leave the nest at 12–15 days of age but remain dependent on their parents for an additional two weeks.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the Redwing consumes a variety of insects and earthworms throughout the year, with berries from rowan and hawthorn trees supplementing its diet in autumn and winter.

Conservation status

With an extensive range estimated at 10 million square kilometers and a population of 26 to 40 million individuals in Europe alone, the Redwing is currently listed as Near Threatened. This status reflects a precautionary response to potential declines in population numbers, which can be influenced by harsh winters and cold, wet summers.

Similar Species

The Redwing may be confused with the related Ring Ouzel in areas of higher altitude, but can be distinguished by its red underwing and flank patches.

Natural threats

Redwings, like other thrushes, are susceptible to blood parasites, including Haemoproteus and Trypanosoma, which can impact their health and survival.