A - Z Garden Bird Identification Index
(Turdus iliacus)
Redwings are the UK's smallest thrush and one of the first winter visitors to arrive. They roam across the UK countryside, feeding in open fields and hedgerows, and rarely venture into gardens unless particularly cold weather or heavy snowfall makes their usual food sources harder to find.
What does a Redwing look like?
Length: 20–24cm.
The Redwing is the smallest thrush regularly seen in the UK. It has warm brown upperparts, a pale cream-coloured breast covered in dark brown spots and streaks, and distinctive orange-red patches on its flanks and underwings. One of its most recognisable features is the bold creamy-white stripe above each eye.
Both males and females have similar plumage, making them difficult to tell apart. They are also often confused with Song Thrushes and Fieldfares, particularly when feeding together during the winter months. However, their smaller size, prominent eye stripe and reddish flanks help distinguish them from other thrushes.
What is the difference between a redwing and song thrush?
Redwings and Song Thrushes can look quite similar, but there are a few easy ways to tell them apart. The most noticeable difference is the Redwing's distinctive rusty-red patches on its flanks and the creamy-white stripe above each eye, which the Song Thrush doesn't have. Song Thrushes also tend to have more arrowhead-shaped spots across their breast, while Redwings have darker spots and streaks against a paler background. Redwings are slightly smaller and are mainly seen in the UK during autumn and winter, whereas Song Thrushes can be spotted throughout the year.
Redwing call and song - what does a redwing sound like?
Redwings have a distinctive high-pitched call, often heard as flocks fly overhead during autumn and winter. Listen out for a thin, drawn-out 'seeep' or 'tseeep' sound.ark
Their song is quite different, consisting of a series of thin, high-pitched notes mixed with more varied whistles and warbling phrases. However, you're much more likely to hear their characteristic flight calls during a typical UK winter.
Where and when do redwings nest?
Most Redwings visiting the UK do not breed here. They arrive during autumn, spend the winter feeding across the British countryside and return to their breeding grounds in Iceland and northern Europe during spring.
Breeding generally takes place between May and July. The female builds a cup-shaped nest, usually low down in a tree or shrub, using grasses, moss and other plant material, with a softer lining. She typically lays four to six eggs, which are incubated for around 10–14 days. Both parents help feed the chicks once they hatch.
A very small number of Redwings do breed in the UK, mainly in northern Scotland, but they remain an uncommon breeding species here.
Do redwings migrate?
Redwings make their way to the UK from Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scandinavia each autumn, often travelling under the cover of darkness. They spend the winter months here, typically arriving in October and returning north from April as the weather begins to warm.
Redwing habitat
Redwings favour open countryside with plenty of trees, hedgerows and shrubs where they can find natural food. Woodland edges, orchards, farmland, parks and nature reserves are all popular places to spot them.
During autumn and early winter, they are often found in the countryside feeding on berries in hedgerows and fruit-bearing trees. They are particularly fond of hawthorn, holly and rowan berries, moving between different feeding sites as food supplies change.
As winter progresses and temperatures drop, Redwings may venture further into parks, gardens and urban green spaces in search of food. They are highly nomadic, meaning they will regularly move around rather than remain in one particular location throughout the winter.
How long do redwings live for?
Like many wild birds, the lifespan of a Redwing can vary considerably depending on conditions, food availability, weather and predation. Many face considerable challenges during their long migrations, particularly when crossing the North Sea in autumn and spring.
As Redwings spend much of their lives moving between breeding and wintering grounds, survival rates can be difficult to establish. However, the average lifespan for a redwing is approximately 2 years.
What do redwings eat in the wild?
Redwings have a varied diet that changes with the seasons. During autumn and winter, berries and other soft fruits make up a large part of their diet, helping provide the energy they need to survive colder weather.
They particularly enjoy Hawthorn berries, Rowan berries, Holly berries and fallen apples.
They also forage for invertebrates, including earthworms, insects and other small creatures, often searching through leaf litter and soft ground for food. During the breeding season, their diet becomes more heavily focused on invertebrates, which provide an important source of protein for growing chicks.
What to feed redwings in the garden?
Although Redwings are not regular visitors to traditional hanging bird feeders, you may be lucky enough to spot them in your garden during particularly cold weather, especially when snow or frozen ground makes natural food harder to find.
Unlike many familiar garden birds, Redwings prefer feeding on the ground, where they can search for fallen fruit, berries and invertebrates. Offering suitable foods in an open, quiet area of the garden can make it easier for them to find an additional source of nourishment.
Where should you feed redwings?
Feeders – Not suitable
Table – Not suitable
Ground – Scattered food in open areas is easily taken
How to attract redwings to your garden
If you'd like to encourage Redwings into your garden, the best approach is to provide natural food sources and a welcoming environment. Planting native berry-producing trees and shrubs, such as hawthorn, rowan and holly, can provide an important source of food throughout autumn and winter.
Leaving some fallen fruit beneath fruit trees can also help attract these winter visitors. Apples and pears are particularly useful, providing an additional food source when natural berries become scarce.
Providing a shallow bird bath with fresh, clean water is another simple way to support visiting birds throughout the colder months. Remember to check it regularly during freezing weather to ensure the water remains accessible.
Redwings can be easily startled, so try to give them a quiet place to feed away from busy areas of the garden. With suitable food, natural cover and a little patience, you may be lucky enough to welcome these beautiful winter visitors into your garden.
