Traits, Habits, Nesting Places, Gestation Period, and Eggs of the Garden Bird, Robin
The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is one of the most recognizable and beloved garden birds across Europe. Known for its bright orange-red breast, cheerful song, and friendly nature, the robin is a common sight in gardens, woodlands, and hedgerows throughout the year.
Traits
Robins are small, round-bodied birds, measuring around 12.5-14 cm in length and weighing between 16-22 grams. Their most distinctive feature is their vibrant orange-red breast and face, contrasting with their olive-brown back, wings, and tail. Juvenile robins lack this red coloring and instead have a mottled brown appearance, which helps them remain camouflaged.
These birds have thin, pointed beaks, making them well-suited for catching insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Robins have large, dark eyes, which give them a distinctive, alert expression. Unlike many small birds, robins are quite territorial, particularly during the breeding season, and will aggressively defend their space from other robins.
Habits
Robins are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet of worms, insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. However, they also eat berries, fruits, and seeds, especially in the winter when insect food is scarce. Robins are known for their bold and inquisitive nature, often approaching gardeners in search of disturbed insects.
They are territorial year-round, with both males and females fiercely defending their feeding and nesting areas. During winter, robins maintain their territories and will chase away intruders with their sharp, high-pitched calls.
Robins are one of the few birds in the UK that sing all year round, with males singing loudly in the autumn and winter to maintain their territories. Their song is a soft, melodious warble, which becomes more powerful during the breeding season.
Nesting Places
Robins build their nests in a wide range of locations, preferring sheltered and hidden spots. They often use dense shrubs, ivy-covered walls, tree hollows, and even garden sheds or flower pots. Robins are known for using unusual nesting sites, including abandoned boots, old kettles, or even hanging baskets.
The female robin builds the nest alone, creating a cup-shaped structure made from moss, leaves, and grass, which is then lined with soft materials such as feathers and fur. The nest is carefully concealed to protect it from predators like cats, foxes, and larger birds.
Gestation Period and Eggs
Robins typically have two to three broods per year, with breeding starting as early as March and lasting until July.
The female lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are creamy-white with reddish-brown speckles. She incubates the eggs alone for 12-15 days, relying on the male to bring her food.
Once the eggs hatch, both parents work tirelessly to feed the hungry chicks, providing them with insects and worms. The chicks remain in the nest for around 13-16 days before fledging. Even after leaving the nest, young robins continue to be fed by their parents for another 2-3 weeks until they become fully independent.
Conclusion
The robin is a fascinating, territorial, and charismatic garden bird, admired for its bright red breast, beautiful song, and friendly behaviour. Its adaptable nesting habits and high reproductive rate ensure its presence in gardens and natural spaces throughout the year. Whether singing from a tree branch or following gardeners around, robins bring charm and vitality to their environment.