The redwing is the smallest common European thrush, and grows about 20 cms long. It looks like a song thrush but is darker in colour and its pale breast is streaked, not spotted. It has a creamy stripe over both eyes and a yellow base to its bill. They get their name from the dark red patches on their bodies near the wings.
Redwings migrate at night.
You might hear their call above the noise of city traffic, it's a thin 'seeip' sound. They call to keep in contact with one another as they fly. Redwings roost communally but, unlike fieldfares, they do have favourite sites. They like thick shrubbery and dense hedgerows. In the morning they fly off on their own or in small groups to visit their feeding grounds.