A small, charismatic bird instantly recognizable due to its bright orange-red breast and face set against a grey-brown body. This little bird is common across Europe, extending into parts of Western Asia and North Africa. Robins are beloved in many cultures, particularly in Britain, where they symbolize Christmas.
One of the European Robin’s most distinctive traits is its melodious singing voice. Robins are among the few UK birds that sing year-round, as males fiercely defend their territory with their song during and outside the breeding season. The song, usually a sweet, warbling tune, is most prominent during the early morning and late evening and is often described as a liquid and soothing sound. Interestingly, robins are known to sing at night under artificial light, making them one of the few birds that can be heard in urban environments after dark.
Robins are unusually interactive with humans compared to other wild birds. They can quickly become accustomed to human presence, and it’s not uncommon for them to approach people gardening to forage for any disturbed worms. This boldness around humans has endeared them to many, often being portrayed as the gardener’s friend.
Their diet consists mainly of insects and worms, although during the colder months, they will also eat a wider variety of plant-based foods, like berries. Their feeding habits are opportunistic, and their diet varies seasonally, which helps them survive in a range of environments, from dense forests to urban gardens.
A fun fact about the European Robin is its prominence in British folklore and culture. It has been a symbol of good luck and was even voted the UK’s national bird in a public poll in 2015. The robin frequently appears on Christmas greeting cards and decorations, a tradition believed to have begun in the 19th century when postmen, who delivered cards, wore red tunics and were nicknamed “Robins.”
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mauritania
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
