The Robin is one of the most distinct and popular British birds, and was voted as the national bird of Great Britain in a ballot nearly 40 years ago. They are often associated with Christmas, and regularly feature on cards, wrapping paper and other festive odds and ends! They were nicknamed in the 19th century when the postmen wore red waistcoats as part of their uniform, and were called ‘Robin Red Breasts!’ You will often hear them warbling and chirping as, unlike some birds, they sing all year round.

Length: 12-13cm

Wingspan: 20cm

Conservation Status: Green

Description: The Robin is famous for, and easily recognised by, its distinctive red breast; you can spot them all year round in the British Isles. Their red breast is bordered by thin, brown-grey feathers and the wings and back of the Robin are light brown. Male and female Robins are identical, but the juveniles have light spotted brown plumage with no red.

Nesting: Robins can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks and, much to our satisfaction, gardens. They are one of the earliest birds to nest, and their nests are commonly made from sticks, grass, moss and dead leaves. They are built in areas with lots of shelter and easy access, however, they are famous for nesting in all sorts of random locations including sheds, boats, hanging baskets, old boots and other mischievous places! The male will find the area for the nest and help to gather materials, and the female does the majority of the building work. Breeding season usually begins in March, but during mild winters Robins have been known to breed as early as January! They lay their pale blue speckled eggs in the morning, one per day, and a normal clutch size is between 4 and 6 eggs, which hatch after 13-14 days. Two broods a year are normally produced, although a pair may occasionally produce a third.

Feeding: Robins have a very varied diet and love beetles, spiders, other small insects, worms, berries, soft fruits and seeds. In cold weather conditions, food is vital to their survival as they can use 10% of their body weight in just one winter’s night. Bird tables can therefore improve chances of survival and the Robin’s favourite treats include mealworms and kitchen scraps like cakes, biscuits and even cheese!

Mealworms	Berry Treat Pellets	Ultiva Softbill Mix	Did you know?
			Despite regularly being described by humans as ‘friendly’, Robins are very territorial and aggressive, particularly during breeding season and when food is scarce – if necessary they will defend their territory to the death!

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