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Erithacus rubecula (European robin)
This distinctive small perching bird is found across a large
geographical area from northern Scandinavia to southern
Spain, and from the British Isles to western Siberia in Russia.
Description
The adult European robin is between 5–5.5 in. (12.5–14 cm)
long, weighs up to 0.6 oz. (16 g), and can have a wingspan of
9 in. (22 cm).
Behavior
With its distinctive melodic warble, the male robin will sing
all year round to proclaim its territory and attract a mate. It
is fiercely territorial over its food supply and can be quite
aggressive to fellow members of the species. This is also why
no more than one robin will occupy a small garden, unless it
is his mate. The female robin lays 4–6 eggs, which require
incubation for 13–14 days. After hatching, the young are
ready to fledge in two weeks. A pair of robins may raise as
many as three broods in one year.
Did you know?
The best way to see a robin is to dig in your garden. A robin
will often appear, perched on a fence or branch, waiting to
inspect the newly turned soil for earthworms.
The robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK
after a poll was carried out by the Times newspaper.
In winter, the robin puffs up its plumage to insulate its body
against cold winds.
European robins are not endangered or threatened and their
populations are increasing in some parts of their range.
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