The RSPB: Redwing

Conservation status: Red

The redwing is most commonly encountered as a winter bird and is the UK's smallest true thrush. Its creamy strip above the eye and orange-red flank patches make it distinctive. They roam across the UK's countryside, feeding in fields and hedgerows, rarely visiting gardens, except in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. Only a few pairs nest in the UK.

Overview

Latin name

Turdus iliacus

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Where to see them

In open countryside it likes hedges and orchards as well as open, grassy fields. Will come to parks and gardens. Often joins with flocks of fieldfares.

When to see them

Migrants arrive from September, with most in October and November. They leave again in March and April, although occasionally birds stay later.

What they eat

Berries and worms

Population

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	2-17 pairs	685,000 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.