Redwing

When: Winter

Scientific name: Turdus iliacus

Gaelic name: smeòrach an t-sneachda

Size: 20 cm in length, wingspan 35cm

Where: Most commonly over fields and along hedgerows, but it is also possible to see them in woodlands and suburban areas

Redwings seek solace on our shores over the winter, escaping the harsher conditions of their breeding grounds further north in Scandinavia and Iceland. Their seasonal arrival marks the start of autumn and winter for many, with large flocks gathering to feast on the fruits of the landscape in fields and along hedgerows.

Distinctive markings make redwings one of the easier farmland birds to identify. They are the UK's smallest true thrush, coming from the same family as blackbirds and mistle thrush. As you may suspect from their name, redwings have a ruddied underwing and olive brown upper wing parts. Pale markings around the eye and speckled, creamy feathers on their throat and breast make for an attractive sighting amongst the otherwise bare, dull branches of a winter tree. They are a gregarious bunch, the redwings, and can often be spotted amongst a flock of fieldfares whilst out foraging for invertebrates and hedgerow berries to sustain them through the winter.

Despite the redwing being a common and regular sighting in the UK, there is little folklore or superstition attached to these charming winter migrants. Of the thrush family as a whole, folk used to believe that if such a bird were to sing at sunset, there would be a fine day to follow. Although, if this bird sang from a nest that was built high up in a thorn bush, this would be a sign of dread, indicating imminent ominous happenings in the area. On a clear autumn night, you may hear a thin "tseeeep", which is the sound of redwings calling to each other as the fly overhead. Such an eerie song could send a chill down the spine, but really these little thrushes are rather harmless.

It is important to monitor and conserve the population of redwing overwintering in the UK as they are a Red List Priority conservation species. This means that their numbers are in decline, so any opportunity to provide them with suitable habitat should be highly valued. You can find out more about redwings by visiting https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/redwing

Photo: David Palmar, Photoscot