Redwing

The Redwing has the size and shape of a Song Thrush but easily distinguishes itself by its plumage. Note the head pattern which is very distinct, likely the most distinct among all thrushes. The most eye-catching feature is the sharp cream and white supercilium that runs from the beak to the neck, tucked between the crown and the cold dark brown ear-coverts. Another conspicuous white feature is the sub-mustacal stripe that slots between the brown cheeks and the darkish moustachial line that edges the white striated black throat and ends in a black patch at the base of the neck. The dark eye is blended in with the black lores and under the eye a small pale patch can be detected. The bill is black with yellow at the base of the lower mandible. The underparts are white although the flanks are a vivid rusty orange that captures the eye and designates the species. The ventral spots are pointy arrowheads that arrange themselves in typical longitudinal formations. Towards the bend of the wings, dark patches are often present, somewhat like the Spotted Flycatcher's. The juvenile can be recognised by its mantle, scapulars and tertials that are streaked/spotted beige or fawn. The first winter bird is distinguished from the adult by its large coverts and white-tipped tertials