Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small European thrush with reddish flanks: A songbird (Turdus iliacus) characterized by a distinctive reddish-brown patch on its flanks and underwings.
   • A North American blackbird with scarlet wing patches: A bird (Agelaius phoeniceus), commonly called the red-winged blackbird, noted for the bright red and yellow patches on the male's shoulders.

Usage Examples

• Noun (European thrush):

  • We heard the melodic call of a redwing in the hedgerow.
  • The redwing is a winter visitor to the British Isles from Scandinavia.

• Noun (North American blackbird):

  • A male redwing perched on a cattail, displaying its scarlet epaulets.
  • The marsh was filled with the loud "conk-la-ree!" song of redwings.

Advanced Usage

• "Redwing" as a specific identifier: In ornithology, using "redwing" alone can be ambiguous; the full names "European redwing" or "red-winged blackbird" are often used for clarity.
  • The field guide clearly distinguishes between the European redwing and the American red-winged blackbird.

Variants and Related Words

• Red-winged (adj): Having red wings or red patches on the wings.
  • The red-winged blackbird is a familiar sight across North America.

Synonyms

• For the European thrush: None that are exact, but it is a type of thrush.
• For the North American blackbird: Red-winged blackbird (full common name).

Noun

1. small European thrush having reddish flanks
2. North American blackbird with scarlet patches on the wings