The RSPB: Robin

Robin

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Latin name

Erithacus rubecula

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Overview

The UK's favourite bird - with its bright red breast it is familar throughout the year and especially at Christmas! Males and females look identical, and young birds have no red breast and are spotted with golden brown. Robins sing nearly all year round and despite their cute appearance, they are aggressively territorial and are quick to drive away intruders. They will sing at night next to street lights.

Where to see them

Across the UK in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Worms, seeds, fruits and insects.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	5,895,000 territories	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)