Erithacus rubecula - Robin

Phylum: Chordata - Class: Aves - Order: Passeriformes - Family: Turdidae

Identification - Distribution - Lifecycle - Food - Predators - Reference Sources

Robin

Although many people associate the Robin with winter, snow and Christmastime, these cheery little birds are with us in Britain all the year round, although some robins also come to Britain and Ireland as summer visitors.

Robin in a tree

Robins, members of the thrush family, are commonly found in woodland, parks and gardens; they seem to prefer areas with plenty of undergrowth.

Young Robins do not have red breasts, so it is fascinating to watch them grow and gradually colour up.

A young robin

A young Robin before its breast fethers colour up

In winter, gardeners often have a Robin for company: they are not particularly shy birds, and it is a joy to hear a robin singing, high up in a tree or on the gable end of a house. They feed mainly on the ground, hopping around beneath bird feeders and readily accepting food from a bird table.

Young Robin, August 2022

Above: a young Robin in August 2022

Robins are not long-lived birds. Many live for just one year, although some enjoy a two-year lifetime.