Austria · Winter visitor

Redwings in Austria

When the Redwing (Turdus iliacus) is present in Austria, when it nests, and which native Austria plants supply the food it depends on.

Status in Austria
Winter visitor
Nesting season
Does not breed here
Size
21 cm, 63 g

When to expect redwings in Austria

The Redwing reaches Austria for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Cold, snowy winters, especially at altitude.

Continental and Alpine; most of the country is mountainous.

Native Austria plants for redwings

Of the native plants we track for Austria, these 8 provide food the Redwing uses:

Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna · Shrub

Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.

Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia · Tree

Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.

Holly
Ilex aquifolium · Shrub

Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.

Ivy
Hedera helix · Climber

Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.

Elder
Sambucus nigra · Shrub

Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.

Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa · Shrub

Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.

Dog rose
Rosa canina · Shrub

Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.

Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus · Shrub

Translucent red berries in autumn.

Feeding in the garden

Berries and worms.

  • Best foods: Apples, Soaked sultanas.
  • Feeders: Ground tray.
  • Listen for 'tseep' calls on still autumn nights as Redwings migrate in from Scandinavia.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked

Are redwings in Austria all year?

No. The Redwing is a winter visitor to Austria and breeds further north or east.

Which native plants help redwings in Austria?

Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Austria and provide food or cover the Redwing uses.

Redwings in other countries

Other garden birds in Austria

Sources

  1. Redwing — RSPB bird guide
  2. Redwing — BTO BirdFacts
  3. BirdLife Österreich — Brutvogelatlas

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.