redwing

Facts

Why not download our redwing fact sheet?

redwing fact sheet

Turdus iliacus

• Smallest thrush in the UK
   
• Distinctive creamy-white eye-stripe 
   
• Conspicuous reddish flanks and underwing
   
• High-pitched call “see-ip” often heard from migrating flocks flying overhead at night - click on the recording below to listen to them:

Where found

Widespread in open country and hedgerows; visits gardens in hard weather.

Often found with fieldfares.
 

When to look for

• Winter visitor from October.
   
• Leaving in April.
   
• A scarce breeder in northern Scotland

Did you know?

• Redwings nest in shrubs or on the ground, laying four to six eggs in a neat nest
  
  
• Redwings are a classic night-time migrant - listen out on dark clear autumn and early winter nights, particularly in the east of the country, and you are likely to hear the thin 'tseep' of migrating redwing overhead
  
  
• They eat worms and berries, and are known to be picky feeders