Redwing (Turdus iliacus) is a species of true thrush in the family Turdidae, commonly known as the redwing or redwing thrush. It is native to the Palearctic region, where it breeds in coniferous and mixed forests of Europe and Asia and migrates to wintering grounds in southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia.
Etymology
The English name “redwing” derives from the bird’s characteristic reddish‑brown flank patches and a subtle reddish hue on its wing coverts. The specific epithet iliacus is Latin for “pertaining to the ilium,” reflecting historical taxonomic naming conventions rather than a descriptive attribute.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Turdidae
- Genus: Turdus
- Species: T. iliacus
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae.
Physical Description
- Size: 20–23 cm (7.9–9.1 in) in length; wingspan 35–38 cm (13.8–15.0 in).
- Weight: 45–68 g (1.6–2.4 oz).
- Plumage: Dark brown upperparts; a distinct orange‑red patch on each flank; throat and breast are white with fine dark streaks; the belly is pale orange. The bill is yellow‑orange with a dark tip.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males and females are similarly patterned, with females occasionally showing slightly duller coloration.
Distribution and Habitat
- Breeding Range: Northern and central Europe (including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Baltic states) extending eastward through Siberia to the Altai Mountains.
- Wintering Range: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, the Middle East, and as far east as northern India and Pakistan.
- Habitat: Prefers coniferous (especially spruce and pine) and mixed woodlands; also occupies parklands, gardens, and orchards during migration and winter.
Behavior and Ecology
- Diet: Omnivorous; consumes a mix of insects (beetles, caterpillars, aphids) and fruit (berries, cherries, hawthorn). In winter, berries become a primary food source.
- Breeding: Pairs establish territories in forest edges. The female builds a cup-shaped nest of twigs, moss, and lichens, usually placed 3–10 m above ground in a tree fork. Clutch size ranges from 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated for ~13 days. Both parents feed altricial chicks.
- Vocalizations: Notable for a bright, melodic song consisting of a series of fluted notes, often delivered from a perch. Calls include a soft “tsee” and a harsher “tchick.”
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the redwing as Least Concern (LC) due to its extensive range and large population. However, regional declines have been documented in parts of western Europe, attributed to changes in forestry practices and loss of winter food resources. Conservation measures focus on preserving mixed woodland habitats and maintaining fruit-bearing shrubs in wintering areas.
Cultural and Other References
- Folklore: In some European cultures, the redwing is associated with winter and is featured in traditional songs and proverbs.
- Literature: The bird appears in poetry and literature as a symbol of resilience during harsh seasons.
- Other Uses of the Term: “Redwing” is also employed as a common name for various unrelated entities, including a 19th‑century British steamship, a type of aircraft component, and several musical groups. These uses are distinct from the biological species described above.
References
- BirdLife International. (2023). Turdus iliacus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023.
- Svensson, L., Mullarney, P., & Zetterström, D. (2020). The Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins.
- Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T. (2022). Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press.
