Redwing

The redwing is a captivating bird from the thrush family, Turdidae, native to Europe and the Palearctic region. Slightly smaller than the song thrush, this bird has fascinated ornithologists since Carl Linnaeus first described it in 1758. The name "redwing" originates from its striking red underwing, which should not be confused with the red-winged blackbird—an entirely different species.

There are two subspecies of redwings, each with distinct breeding and wintering habitats. This bird can be identified by its red flanks, red underwing, and a creamy white stripe above its eye. Males are known for their short, melodic song and a distinctive whistling call during flight.

Redwings breed in the northern regions of Europe and the Palearctic but migrate to various locations across Europe, Africa, and Asia during winter. Their diet primarily consists of insects, earthworms, and berries.

In terms of nesting, redwings favor conifer and birch forests. They typically lay four to six eggs and diligently care for their chicks until they are ready to fledge. These birds face several challenges, including blood parasites and harsh weather conditions, such as severe winters and cool, wet summers.

Despite these adversities, redwings maintain a large population, estimated in the millions. Nevertheless, due to signs of population decline, they are currently classified as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.