About Redwings UK - Redwing (Turdus Iliacus) Facts & Information

In the UK, the Redwing is a common winter visitor, and they are one of the classic winter birds - often seen as a sign of the changing of the seasons. 

They get their name from the red and orange coloured flanks, but they have a brown and black freckled breast with creamy white stripe above their eyes. 

Redwings are a member of the Thrush family, and have close relation to the Song Thrush and Blackbirds. They are not native to the UK, instead, Redwings breed in Northern Europe and Eastern Europe and Redwings migrate in Autumn and Early winter to avoid harsh winters. 

As short distance migrants, they arrive in large flocks, often mixed with other birds such as Fieldfares. They make the journey at night, so throughout October, listen to the ‘seep’ sounding calls at night, as this is Redwings communicating with their flock whilst travelling. 

Wildlife and Countryside Act

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Redwing is protected in the UK, they're also a threatened species and are on the IUCN Red List and named as a bird of Conservation Concern in the UK.

How Long Do Redwings Live?

Redwings typically live for around 2 years on average, but their lifespan can vary significantly. Many factors, including the winter months, migration challenges, predation, and food availability, contribute to their relatively short lifespan.

However, some Redwings can live much longer if they survive the early years. The longest recorded lifespan for a Redwing is 8 years and 8 months!

Redwing Diet

Across their grounds, Redwings have a varied diet. In the UK, berries are their main food source, this is because they are easy to find and are a great source of energy (and they need this to help them get through the cold and the migration journey they have to complete!)

If the ground isn't frozen, Redwings will forage for Earthworms and other insects - but this isn't their main source of food.

During breeding season, their diet switches to high protein insects, Raising young isn't easy, and they need the protein to help the chicks grow, and get the adults through this month.

When feeding, you'll see Redwings foraging on the ground, using a 'hop and stop' method to look for dinner. In the winter, they'll strip trees of berries, especially in gardens and woodlands.

Where do Redwings Live?

To escape the harsh weather and snow of their breeding range, Redwings head to the UK to spend winter, but where do they go to once they are here?

Due to their foraging techniques, Redwings favourite habitat is open country, so anywhere with an open field with hedgerows and plenty of berries is perfect for these birds. Meadows and grass lands too, as they can search for Earthworms and insects here.

These Thrushes prefer areas with trees and bushes, so woodland edges are perfect, they can also find berry trees such as hawthorn and holly here too!

In more urban areas, parks and large gardens are a habitat too. Especially during severe weather. They feed of fallen fruit or berries, and you might even see them on bird feeders is food sources are scarce elsewhere.

At night time, Redwings roost in groups, in the thick of hedgerows so that they can shelter from the cold.

They are widespread throughout the UK in the winter months, though they're most frequently found in southern and eastern England, where conditions tend to be milder. However, a small number can be spotted throughout the country, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Redwing Breeding Season

Breeding season takes place in Northern Europe and Iceland during Spring and Summer. Generally, it will start in May and continue through through to July.

In late April, the courtship process begins. Males will establish their territories and attract mates through singing. The fluty, high pitched notes are sung from a perch.

During the breeding season, males can be aggressive. They engage in aggressive displays to defend their grounds. Puffing up their feathers and fanning their wings makes them seem more intimidating. They may even perform display fights too!

After mating, Redwings form a monogamous pair for the breeding season. The female takes the lead in nest building, while the male may assist with guarding the territory and helping to protect the nest from predators.

They build their nests in trees, shrubs, and on the ground. The female makes the nests using grass, moss and twigs. Typically, she'll lay 4-5 pale blue eggs here, she incubates for 12-14 days.

Both parents feed the chick and they fledge at around 12-15 days.

Five Facts about Redwings

1. Redwings are migratory and visit the UK during the winter months. They breed in northern Europe, including Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia, but migrate south to the UK and other parts of Europe from October to March to escape harsh winter conditions.

2. Redwings are named after the reddish-orange patches on their flanks, which are most visible in flight. They also have a creamy stripe (supercilium) above their eyes, helping to distinguish them from other thrushes.

3. During the winter, Redwings often form large, social flocks and can frequently be seen foraging together in fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges. They often mix with other thrush species, like fieldfares and blackbirds, while feeding.

4. Redwings are nocturnal migrants, meaning they mostly travel at night during their seasonal migrations. They can often be heard calling to each other during their flight with a high-pitched "seep" or "tsee" sound.

5. Redwings are listed as Red on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern list, meaning they are a species of high conservation priority due to declining numbers. However, they remain a common sight in the UK during the winter, particularly in areas with plenty of berries and open spaces.