Latin Name: Erithacus rubecula.
Description: The robin has a red forehead, breast and throat, whilst the head, back, wings and tail are an olive brown colouring. The robin has a small, rotund body, dark eyes and very slender legs. The young do not have the red breast and are a speckled brown in colour.
Habitat: The robin can be found living in woods, lanes, hedgerows, gardens and parks.
Food: The robin feeds on insects, worms, meal-worms and spiders as well as berries, seeds or scraps left on the bird table.
Distribution: The robin can be found throughout Europe and Britain, although it is not found in the far North of Europe.
Nesting: The robin nests on or near the ground in a cavity protected by roots. The nest is built of moss, leaves, grass, roots and hair. They will also nest in a nest box or hole in a tree.
Eggs: The breeding season for the robin is between April and June. The female lays between 4-7 yellowish white spotted eggs and the eggs are then incubated for about 14 days. The young fledglings will leave the nest after about 12-14 days. The robin can have two broods.
Did You Know?
- The robin can be seen in Britain throughout the year.
- The robin has a very rapid call.
- The song of the robin is a whistling and warbling sound of different notes.
- This is an inquisitive, friendly bird and can be seen making hopping movements around it’s habitat.
- Robins like to frequent the garden bird table.
- The robin is strongly territorial.
We have a resident robin who loves to follow me around as I work in the garden, although it will hardly stay still long enough for me to take a decent photograph of it!
Can you spot the robin in this photograph?
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