1. Year-round Residents: While many bird species migrate, UK robins are primarily non-migratory birds. They usually remain in the same territory throughout the year, defending it vigorously against other robins.
2. Territorial Singing: Male robins are known for their melodious songs, but did you know that they also sing to establish and defend their territories? They often sing during the night too, especially in well-lit urban areas. However, robins don't appear to be as territorial or aggressive towards other species, and have even been seen to feed chicks of other species.
3. Aggressive Behaviour: Despite their charming appearance, robins can be quite aggressive towards each other and other bird species when defending their territories. They are known to engage in fierce battles, often resulting in injuries.
4. Symbol of Christmas: In the UK, robins are strongly associated with Christmas and are a popular motif on holiday cards and decorations. This association is believed to have originated from Victorian postmen, who wore red uniforms and were nicknamed "robins." There is a National Robin Day, which takes place on the 21st December each year.
5. Red Breast, Brown Bird: The vibrant red breast of the robin is a result of a pigment called carotenoid, which is obtained from their diet of fruits and insects. However, the rest of their plumage is actually brown, helping them blend into their natural surroundings.
6. Short Lifespan: Despite their endearing presence, robins have relatively short lifespans. On average, they live for about 1.1 years due to high mortality rates in their first year. However, those that survive past their first year can live up to 5-6 years.
7. Nesting Habits: Robins are known for nesting in unusual places, including sheds, hanging baskets, and even clothing left outside. Their nests are often well-hidden and made with a variety of materials, including leaves, moss, and feathers.
8. Worms Aren't Their Main Diet: While the image of a robin pulling a worm from the ground is iconic, worms make up only a small portion of their diet. Robins are omnivores, and they also eat insects, fruits, and berries, especially during the colder months when worms are less accessible.
9. Legends and folklore: One of the most famous legends of robin red breast is that the robin got his breast after burning himself on a fire, which he fanned to keep the baby Jesus warm. He is then fabled to forever carry the red breast as a sign of his devotion.
10. Population Decline: Despite their widespread presence and popularity, UK robin populations have experienced a 2% decline between 2015-2020 due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
Details above taken from here
Image and more to read can be seen here
Fat balls or bars can be a great way to entice robins. Melt some suet or lard and mix it with fruit, nuts and seeds, then leave the hardened balls or bars on your feeder. Use about one-third fat to two-thirds mixture. Stir well in a bowl and allow it to set in a container of your choice. In addition, make sure you put out a dish of clean water – robins need to stay hydrated and clean.
For now, having been out recently, I'm going to settle down with a cuppa, and a low carb lemon cheesecake cookie/biscuit ... would you like one? See here
All the best Jan
47 comments:
All very interesting. I learned a lot. I do like Robins too...
I like Robins too.
Those cookie biscuits look nice.
I might not be able to comment in the next few days so I wish you a Happy New Year Jan.
Tina
Es un lindo pajarito. ten una buena semana. Te mando un beso.
Thanks for this information sorry to learn they are declining. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
...I love them both!
Oyrrobins have left for the winter. The dark-eyed juncos have arrived.
In the U.S. the cardinal us the Christmas bird.
We cannot get out for a walk, but we watch from the car window or watch birds in the yard. I saw a robin that was in a mating dance in December.
I think your robins are just so cute...I had to go remind myself what they sound like. I somehow pictured it being quite a bit smaller than our robin but our robin is given as a similar size.
Now I'm thinking of song, "Rockin Robin"
Robins sing beautifully....
Very useful information.
I was not aware that the Robin has become associated with Christmas in the UK, nor that their population has declined.
May the New Year bring Health, Peace, Love and Hope.
I love all birds. Thr robins in my garden are friendly, but I often feel they are too trusting. Not everyone is kind to wildlife.
Hope you see robins today! Debbie
Very interesting what you have written Jan. Thank for..
Happy New Year and,
May your heart be light, your days be bright, and your year be just right.
We often see flocks of American Robins passing through in spring and autumn. They are fun to watch, but I think the English Robins are prettier.
Adorabile il pettirosso
You are always the person with wealth of information. I always like robins too
Such a marvelous creature!
Robins always bring a smile to my face - I love them.
Robins are gorgeous little birds. We have them too and they are different to yours and to the American robins.
Hello,
I love your Robin, I was happy to see them on our trip to Ireland.
Beautiful photos. Take care and enjoy these last days of 2024.
I wish you all the best in 2025, Happy New Year!
So pretty.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Enjoyable and interesting post. If you see a pair of robins the female is generally slightly smaller and the demarcation line between the red and brown on the forehead is often more V shaped. xx
Love Robins.
Dear Jan!
I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year 2025.
Dear Jan,
Robins are such beautiful birds!
May each day of the New Year bring to you and to your love ones health, happiness, and all the best.
Happy New Year!
I love to hear them sing. Happy New Year
The European Robins are so cute. I wish we had them here. We won't see an American Robin for a couple of months.
Boa tarde e uma excelente segunda-feira. Desejo um Feliz 2025, cheio de paz e saúde. Meu pássaro favorito no Brasil é a sabiá-laranjeira, aqui no meu quintal tem várias e muitas cantam, até na janela da minha casa.
Great post! I had no idea they have such a short life span. I always enjoy watching robins. ;)
Me encanta verlos y oirlos.
Deseo a Todos lo mejor para el 2025. Feliz año .
Un abrazo.
I think maybe it's a robin I hear singing at night! I wondered what kind of bird it was and I think you've answered my question.
May 2025 bring and abundance of happy surprises.
You always have so much good information. I look forward to next year to see what you come up with. Wishing you the very best for 2025.
They really are pretty birds.
English robins are so charming (hate to say it but they are far more charming than our hulking American robin, though I welcome those as well!). I was so excited to see my first in person this year. What a great post! Happy New Year, Jan.
They are lovely birds. I have featured them on my blog before. All the best Jan :-D
Interesting to learn more about the Robins, both kinds. Thanks.
Our American Robins seem to migrate less than they used to ..They are often around all winter,,..Wishng you a Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2025..
Such a gorgeous little bird. So many species are in trouble unfortunately.
I didn't realize that there were different Robins in the UK then here until I bought a stamp from England with a Robin on it. I have a couple feeders but they don't seem to go to them they just pick things from our yard. I think your robins are much cuter than ours are. When I use to live in Michigan that was like our sign that spring was on it's way when we saw the robins in our yards.
Thanks for this information!
Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2025
Hug Elke
awe such a lovely sharing !
robins are my favorite as well dear Jan :)
back in my village little boys would catch them and hold them tying on their thumbnail
they nestle in my yard regularly since many years
hugs and best wishes
Great photos of the beautiful robin and lots of great info too ~ thanks,
Happy New Year ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Happy New Year... I think the UK robin is much prettier than the robin here in the USA.
The robin is Wisconsin's state bird. It is the sign of spring for us, as the robin returns in March. They are a happy sight! :-)
Carla
I like robins too.
Nice post. I like robins but they rarely come into the yard here. In fact, I don't know if there are many around at this altitude. Hope your new year is great.
Es un pájaro precioso, que también es uno de mis favoritos. Un abrazo.
I love robins too! Very interesting article.
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