Mistle Thrush vs Redwing

In short

The Mistle Thrush and Redwing are both thrushes, but they can be distinguished by size and plumage. The Mistle Thrush is larger and lacks the Redwing's distinctive red flanks and buffy-white supercilium.

Identification tips

1. Size: Mistle Thrush is larger. 2. Plumage: Look for the Redwing's red flanks and buffy-white supercilium. 3. Vocalization: Listen for the Mistle Thrush's fluty song. 4. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Mistle Thrushes are more often in open areas.

Size

The Mistle Thrush is noticeably larger than the Redwing.

Plumage

The Mistle Thrush has a more uniform brownish-grey plumage with spotted underparts. In contrast, the Redwing features red flanks and underwing coverts and a prominent buffy-white supercilium.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar thrush-like behaviors, such as foraging on the ground and in trees.

Habitat

Both species inhabit open woodlands and parklands, but the Mistle Thrush is more likely to be found in open fields and edges, while the Redwing prefers denser cover.

Voice

The Mistle Thrush has a loud, fluty song, often delivered from a high perch, while the Redwing's song is more subdued and includes a series of high-pitched notes.