Redwing
Deargán Sneachta
Turdus iliacus
Status :
Winter visitor, widespread
Size : 21 cm
Wingspan : 33-35 cm
The Redwing is a migratory bird from Iceland that arrives during autumn and stays for the winter before moving on again, they are prodigious berry eaters and can often be seen in large flocks clearing entire hedgerows of every berry, as the supply of berries runs out they switch to earthworms, snails, slugs and insects.
Redwings closely resemble a song thrush in size and stature, however the rusty red underwing and bright white stripe over the eye makes identification easier.
The photograph above was taken at Doonis, Athlone in december 2006