The Redwing breeds in northern Europe and into Siberia. It is migratory and winters mainly in western and southern Europe. It moves south in October and November and tends to return to Scandinavia and Russia around April. Its breeding area and migration habits are very similar to Fieldfare Turdus pilaris.

It is a relatively small thrush with a whitish supercilium and moustachial stripe. Underparts are heavily spotted but its most noticeable characteristic are its rusty-red flanks and axillaries.