What they like

A berry buffet and a bit of peace and quiet. Think rowan, hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle, dog‑rose and holly. Late in the season, also leave some fallen apples and pears under the tree. In parks or gardens: choose dense shrubs and a messy corner with leaf litter. In farmland: keep hedgerows and shelterbelts wide, with berry‑bearing shrubs in them. Don’t clip them neatly; prune in phases.

Ecological importance

Redwings eat berries in winter and, in milder periods, also earthworms and insects. They spread seeds through their droppings. That way they help shrubs and trees return to the landscape.

When in the Netherlands

Mainly October through March. In cold winters they appear in large numbers, often in flocks with fieldfares.

Status

Passage migrant and winter visitor: common, numbers vary greatly from year to year.