Spot the Icelandic Redwing

The Redwing is a passerine (Passeriformes) belonging to the Turdidae family found in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. It is a rather small, delicate bird that gallops around and feeds mostly on the ground. The Icelandic Redwing (Turdus iliacus coburni) is a special subspecies found only in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. It is darker and larger than other subspecies of Redwings.

Looks and Characteristics Of the Redwing

Like other passerines, the Redwing is a small bird weighing about 70 grams (2.5 oz), about 21 centimetres (8.3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 33-46 cm (13-18 in). It has a brown back, white or creamy coloured belly and noticeable bright eye stripes. The chest has many dark stripes, but the belly has fewer. 

As the name indicates, the Redwing has a distinguished red patch on the sides. The pointy beak is yellow with a dark tip, and the feet are brown. The Redwing has rather long, slender legs that are practical for galloping on the ground. Juveniles are lighter coloured than adults.

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What Do They Eat and Where Do They Go?

Most Icelandic Redwings are migratory and leave the country in the fall, arriving back early in spring, the first arrivals at the beginning of April. The birds have been observed in Britain, Ireland, France and the Iberian peninsula. A small part of the population stays in Iceland all year round and inhabits towns and cities. 

Redwings are opportunists when feeding. During summer, they feed mostly on earthworms and all sorts of insects, but in fall, berries appear on their menu. In winter, they feed on whatever they can find. Bird lovers often feed them grains and seeds. The birds prefer high-energy fat and oils mixed with grains during the coldest months.

Population Size and Distribution Of the Redwing

The Redwing population size has been estimated at 100-200 thousand pairs. The estimated population size is 165 thousand pairs distributed all around Iceland. The main habitat is forests and shrublands, but the bird nests and lives in a very diverse environment, often found on islands and close to human habitation. The Redwing is mostly found in the lowlands, below 300m altitude, but it is rarely seen in the harsh highlands.

Nesting and Breeding Habits

Redwings lay their eggs early in the spring, starting in late April in good seasons, and are able to lay 2-3 times. The eggs are 4-6, greenish-coloured, and laid in a nicely woven straw basket insulated with feathers and dry hay. The nest is most often in a tree or outhouse a few metres from the ground but sometimes in ground vegetation. The eggs hatch in 10-14 days. 

As with other passerines, the young hatch naked and blind, completely dependent on their parents for survival. They mature fast, leaving the nest about two weeks after hatching. The young then stay on the ground in dense vegetation but are fed by their parents until they can fly. Juveniles from earlier clutches help raise and feed the youngest so the parents can start laying eggs and incubate the next clutch.

Do Not Try to Save Youngs Found on the Ground

In the spring, flightless young are often seen on the ground. One might think that they have fallen from the nest and are helpless, needing saving from a certain doom. This is a misunderstanding. The parents are not far away, so the young should not be picked up from the ground. 

The Romantic Singer

The Redwing is a good singer, shining brightly during the mating season. One can wake up during the bright Icelandic nights hearing the birds singing. The theme of the song is simple and rapidly repeated, but singing is mostly early in the morning and late at night. Only the male bird sings his romantic songs, advertising his ownership of the territory. Icelanders welcome the first Redwing spring arrivals and wait each year for the first romantic singers to start their show. The Redwing is very popular in Iceland for stories, songs, and poems.

Five Fun Facts About the Icelandic Redwing

• The Redwing is quite aggressive toward intruders during the breeding season, picking their heads with its sharp beak.
• Outside the breeding season, Redwings are very social and roam in groups. They are also seen feeding on other passerine birds.
• The sexes look similar, but the male is a little larger.
• Redwings can become at least 18 years old, but the average lifespan is five years.
• The Redwing can hatch and raise as many as four clutches during a single breeding season. The population recruitment is therefore very high.