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  • Robin

Robin

Robin (adult)
Robin (adult)
Robin (juvenile)
Robin (juvenile)
  • Scientific name: Erithacus rubecula
  • Bird family: Old World flycatchers and chats
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Audio

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Patrik Aberg, xeno-canto

Key information

The UK's favourite bird - with its bright red breast it is familiar 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.

What they eat:

Worms, seeds, fruits, insects and other invertebrates.

Measurements:

Length:
14cm
Wingspan:
20-22cm
Weight:
14-21g

Population:

UK breeding:
6,700,000 territories

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Robin (adult)

Adult robin
Feather colour: Brown Cream/buff Grey Orange Red White Yellow
Leg colour: Brown Pink
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Urban and suburban

Robin (juvenile)

Juvenile robin
Feather colour: Brown Cream/buff Orange White Yellow
Leg colour: Brown Pink
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Urban and suburban

Similar birds:

  • Nightingale
    Nightingale

Where and when to see them

Robins live across the UK in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Robin distribution map

You can see robins all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Video

Video

A robin sings from a branch

A robin sings from a branch

Play video
Robin video screenshot

Big Garden Birdwatch

Robin

Count the wildlife that's counting on you! Are you ready to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch?

Find out more

In more depth

Nesting and breeding habits

Nesting and breeding habits

Robin redbreast song

Robin redbreast song

Territory

Territory

Threats

Threats

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