Wild Wednesday - Redwing
Named after its red-orange underwings, which is most visible in flight, the redwing is the smallest thrush in the UK - around 21 centimetres in length with a wingspan of up to 35 centimetres. It has a creamy-white chest covered in dark brown streaks, and a white stripe above its eye.
This berry-loving bird only visits over the winter months, with just a few breeding pairs staying here all year round. Found in open country, hedgerows, parks and if you are lucky, you may spot one in a garden or orchard when food is scarce.
Redwings feed on worms, fruit and berries, particularly hawthorn and rowan. They were the first bird species proven to detect fruit using ultraviolet vision. This is because the waxy coatings of berries reflect UV light, making them more appealing to birds.
They are known as something of a nomad in the bird world, very rarely returning to the same place to spend the winter.
Due to the tiny numbers that breed in the UK (usually less than 20) the redwing is classed as a ‘red list’ species of conservation concern. It is believed that climate change could cause the loss of this already small breeding population.
They build a cup-shaped nest out of grass, moss, twigs and lichen, usually low to the ground in dense vegetation. Three to six eggs are laid and are incubated by the female. After 10–14 days the chicks will hatch and it takes around two weeks for the young to leave the next (fledge), but they will still depend on their parents for a further two weeks. Due to the quick fledging time, this allows for a second brood.
They have a soft, melodious call that sounds like "seep," which can often be heard during their foraging.
Read more here:Redwing | The Wildlife Trusts