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Birds by name

Robin

Conservation status: Green

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.

Overview

Latin name

Erithacus rubecula

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

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.

Population

EuropeUK 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.

Illustrations

Audio

Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Robin

Robin - adult
  • Size: robin-sized or smaller
  • Feather colours: brown, white, red, orange, grey, cream/buff, yellow
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: brown, pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: on feeder, on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, catches insects in flight, eats fruit

Robin

Robin - juvenile
  • Colouring: Juvenile
  • Size: robin-sized or smaller
  • Feather colours: brown, white, orange, cream/buff, yellow
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: brown, pink/flesh
  • Behaviour: on feeder, on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, catches insects in flight, eats fruit

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