The recent arctic temperatures and large influx of snow has bought about some changes in the wildlife that we are seeing in our gardens. Many of you Watchers have been writing in and sharing your photos and videos of two birds in particular, the fieldfare and redwing.
These two birds are very similar, both winter thrushes that are winter migrants that breed in Continental Europe and Scandinavia in the summer months. They are social birds that are usually seen in groups and flocks. These birds can be difficult to identify, so here is a little information to help you tell which is which.
Redwings are small thrushes, similar in size to the song thrush. They have a spotted breast and short tail, with chestnut rich-brown plumage and rusty red underwings. These thrushes have a bold white stripe just above their eyes, which is also a clear distinguishable feature.
Did you know...
- The redwing is the UK's smallest true thrush.
- There are only 13 breeding pairs in the UK.
- A staggering 8.6 million redwings visit the UK in the winter, when they migrate from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Continental Europe, usually arriving here between September and October.
- These birds head to the hedgerows and fields to forage, where they normally feed on berries and worms. When we experience extremely cold spells of weather however, they head to our gardens in search for food. Apples and other fruit are a popular meal for these thrushes.
Fieldfares are bigger in comparison to redwings, generally similar in size and shape to the mistle thrush. They have a longer tail compared to the redwing and stand upright and generally move on the ground by hopping about. Like redwings, they are very social birds, usually seen in large flocks in farmland, grassland and woodland areas.
They have a distinguishable grey head and back, with a black tail and rich-brown plumage on the saddle and wings. Their breast and side flanks are speckled, as like other species from the thrush family.
Did you know...
- There are only 1-2 UK breeding pairs here in the UK
- Approximately 680,000 fieldfares visit the UK every winter, where they breed in the summer months in Northern Europe.
- Fieldfares are one of the ultimate defence species of birds, seen deliberately ramming larger birds in flight. They have also been observed aiming and defecating all over the unwanted intruder. You may have even witnessed similar behaviour in your garden, as they are especially territorial over food.