Redwing

Turdus iliacus

Deargán sneachta

Status: Widespread winter visitor to Ireland from October to March from Iceland and Scandinavia.

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population has been evaluated as Secure.

Identification: About the same size as a Song Thrush. Ages and sexes have the samr appearance. The head is plain brown with an obvious, broad white supercilium. The throat and breast are white with extensive brown streaks. The belly and vent are white and there is an obvious patch of red along the flanks. The back, rump and tail are plain brown. In flight, the red patch on the underwings is obvious even at a distance.

Similar Species: Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush

Call: Rather vocal – the most frequently heard call is a fine “tseep”. This call usually reveals the presence of night-flying Redwings during autumn migration. When alarmed also gives a “wuck”, while small groups of Redwings resting in Redwings may give a continuous chatter of squeaks and warbles.

Diet: Redwings feed on worms and other invertebrates, as well as berries (Rowan, Hawthorn).

Breeding: Does not breed in Ireland. Breeds in Iceland and from Scandinavia eastwards to Siberia.

Wintering: Common winter visitor to Ireland with birds from the Icelandic and Scandinavian breeding populations arriving in October and departing again between mid-March and early-April. Favours open fields in lowland areas, but tends to avoid urban areas.

Where to see: Common throughout Ireland.

Monitored by: Countryside Bird Survey.