Redwing Factfile
Latin name
Distribution
In the winter months Redwings can be seen across the UK with the exception of most of the Scottish Highlands. For the small number of breeding birds, these occur in the Highlands but have been known to breed as far north as Shetland as well.
Habitat
For mainland European breeding areas, the historic main habitat was taiga forest but the species has extended its range into birch and alder woodland, plus even into parks and gardens in towns. For the small number that breed in Scotland, scrubby areas of woodland are typically preferred. For the large number of birds which winter in the UK, lowland areas of farmland with hedgerows are where they’re most likely to be seen. Then if the ground becomes frozen and / or it’s covered in snow, Redwings readily come into gardens, orchards (for fallen apples) and parks, plus locations such as planted areas in supermarket car parks if there are bushes with berries on them such as cotoneaster.
UK Breeding
The BTO estimate that between 50-100 pairs nest in the northern third of Scotland. For wintering birds in the UK, this is estimated at 690,000 birds (RSPB).
The Redwing is largely a winter visitor to the UK only, though a very small number of pairs now nest in the northern third of Scotland. In the winter months Redwings are often seen in large flocks which also include the larger Fieldfare. A member of the thrush family, the Redwing is a highly attractive bird with a speckled breast much like that of the Song Thrush, a distinct cream stripe above the eye and a less distinct one below. However, it is the chestnut-red flush on the underwing that helps make identifying this bird an easy job. In gardens, the species is normally only seen in harsh winter conditions when fields are frozen or covered in snow, and when they do come to gardens they’ll be after berries and including on ornamental shrubs such as pyracantha.
Redwing nesting and breeding habits
The nest site can be in a tree, bush, rotten tree stump, or even direct on the ground on a bank. The nest is made of twigs, grass, lichen and moss, and sometimes with an inner lining of mud, with the final lining being normally made up of fine grass. The overall final structure makes a substantial cup, with only the female bird having taken part in the construction. There are one or two broods per year of 5-6 eggs, and again only the female carries out the task of incubation. Thankfully, the male bird does get involved in feeding the young, and shares this role with the female.
Redwing history and population trends
The first record of breeding Redwings in the UK was 1925, and this in Sutherland in the north of Scotland. Since then numbers have grown but also fluctuated, and it’s believed that there are still no more than 100 breeding pairs. Therefore the trend has been one of very moderate increase over the last 90 years or so, and to give this more context the number of wintering Redwings which arrive on our shores from northern mainland Europe each autumn, is estimated at around 690,000. However, the trend has been for a slight decline in numbers over recent decades.
Behaviour traits of Redwing
Redwings are sociable birds and will generally form large flocks for migration and their time in the UK in the winter months. Often forming mixed flocks with Fieldfares, in harsh winter weather when the ground is frozen they can turn up in force in gardens with berries and fallen fruit on offer, and can quickly strip a shrub such as pyracantha of its berries.
Redwing diet and food
The diet is varied and includes snails, earthworms, slugs and insects, then progressively more berries and fallen fruit in the winter months. Hawthorn, holly and rowan berries are the native species which are eaten, but in gardens, parks and shopping centre car parks etc. then berries from ornamental shrubs including pyracantha and cotoneaster will readily be eaten. The only food to put out in gardens which is likely to attract Redwings in frozen conditions, is apples (cut them in half and place on the lawn flesh-side up).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Redwings common in UK?
Migrant Redwings are common in the winter months in many areas of the UK as they search for food, and in very cold spells will readily come into gardens to feed on berries from shrubs such as Pyracantha. They will also eat fallen apples on the ground.
Where do Redwings go in the summer?
Most of the Redwings that come to the UK for winter have come from and will return to Scandinavia and Iceland for the summer to breed.
How long do Redwings live?
The average lifespan for a Redwing is probably around two years.
What is the difference between a Redwing and Song thrush?
The most obvious visual difference between the two species is the red patch under the wing of the Redwing (and hence its name) which the Song thrush doesn’t have.
How many Redwings are there in the UK?
Each winter around 690,000 Redwings come to the UK, with between 50 to a 100 Redwings breeding in the north of Scotland.