Redwing and Fieldfare

[Farplace]

What's the easiest way to tell them apart in the wild? From books / photos its easy, but I always have trouble with fly-overs, or those seen at a distance in fields.
Jan

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Farplace

Getting to know the calls of these two would help,the Redwing can give a seeeeep call as it flys over,whilst the Fieldfare has a more cackling/chuckling call.

Size as well is a good indicator,the Fieldfare is generally bigger than the Redwing.

Fieldfares have white armpits,similar to the Mistle Thrush,but you would be able to pick up the pale grey rump on the Fieldfare,where as it is a more sandy colour on the Mistle Thrush. The buffish/reddish armpits/underwing markings of the Redwing and the Song Thrush may look similar at a distance,and it may come down to jizz.

But again Redwings often give a distinctive call as they fly over.It is well worth learning these.

Jason

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

Getting to know the calls of these two would help,the Redwing can give a seeeeep call as it flys over,whilst the Fieldfare has a more cackling/chuckling call.

I think that this is the best advice that you will get!
Both species call frequently, so getting to know their flight calls and contact calls means you can easily ID them, even if you can't make out the plumage features (you don't even need to see the bird!).

Otherwise, size really does help (Mistle Thrush size, compared to Starling size), and the grey rump, on Fieldfares will usually stand out as they fly away from you, or the white underwings (shared by Mistle Thrushes) as they fly overhead - Redwings generally just look dark.

[Farplace]

Thanks Jason and Roy - very helpful.

[mucher]

Just been in the back garden about 10 pm and heard a short seeeeeep as described by JC heard the same sound many times over the years! always puzzled me what birds make that sound.?
Only ever heard them at nightime definitely a small bird so I take it their Redwings?

[rossy]

Originally Posted by mucher

Just been in the back garden about 10 pm and heard a short seeeeeep as described by JC heard the same sound many times over the years! always puzzled me what birds make that sound.?
Only ever heard them at nightime definitely a small bird so I take it their Redwings?

yes that would be them, redwings, also when fieldfare fly nomally in flocks the flight is intermitent, where as redwing fly fast and direct. rossy.

[rossy]

just seen my first redwing this morning at 7.15 am as i was putting out the daily food for the birds, heard the trademark call 1st then 2 flew out of the sycamore tree in next doors garden, rossy.

[dunlin]

Originally Posted by Farplace

What's the easiest way to tell them apart in the wild? From books / photos its easy, but I always have trouble with fly-overs, or those seen at a distance in fields.
Jan

You get them in mixed flocks in winter so its well worth scanning with a pair of binos once theyve settled
Have a look on the rspb website, i think theres a recording of their call on there