Here’s a full and detailed overview of the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), one of Europe’s most familiar and beloved birds.

🐦 **European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)**

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Erithacus
Species: E. rubecula

Common name: European Robin
Scientific name: Erithacus rubecula

Identification

The European robin is a small insectivorous passerine bird recognized by its bright orange-red breast and face, bordered by grey and brown plumage. It’s a common garden bird across Europe and an iconic species of wintertime imagery.

Length: 12.5–14.0 cm
Wingspan: 20–22 cm
Weight: 14–21 g
Plumage:
- Bright orange-red face and breast
- Greyish sides of the neck and chest
- Brown upperparts
- Whitish belly
Bill: Thin and dark, suited for insect feeding
Eyes: Large and dark, giving a curious expression

Both sexes look alike, though males may show slightly brighter coloration. Juveniles lack the red breast and are instead mottled brown and gold.

Distribution and Range

The European robin is widespread throughout:

Europe (from the British Isles to western Russia)
North Africa
Middle East
Western Siberia

Resident populations occur in western and southern Europe, while northern and eastern birds migrate south during the winter.

Introduced populations also exist in New Zealand.

Habitat

The robin inhabits a wide variety of environments, including:

Woodland edges and clearings
Parks and gardens
Hedgerows
Shrublands and forest undergrowth

It prefers dense vegetation for nesting and open ground for foraging.

Behavior

Territorial: Especially males, which defend feeding and breeding territories vigorously, even attacking reflections or other robins.
Song: Rich, melodic, and fluting; males sing year-round, and females may also sing quietly during winter.
Tameness: Frequently approaches humans in gardens or forests, often following gardeners as they turn soil to catch insects and worms.
Activity: Active during the day, foraging on the ground or low perches.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding mainly on:

Insects and larvae
Spiders
Earthworms
Berries and fruit (especially in autumn and winter)

Reproduction

Breeding season: March to July
Nests: Built close to the ground in hollows, walls, or dense shrubs; sometimes in unusual places like flowerpots or boots.
Clutch size: 4–6 eggs
Incubation: 13–14 days by the female
Fledging: Young leave the nest after about 14 days

Pairs are monogamous for a season, and many robins raise two broods per year.

Lifespan

Average lifespan: 2 years
Maximum recorded: 13 years

High mortality occurs during the first winter due to cold and competition.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Population trend: Stable and common across its range

The species adapts well to human-modified habitats, including urban areas.

Ecological Role

Controls insect populations
Disperses seeds of berry-producing plants
Acts as an indicator of healthy woodland and garden ecosystems

Predators and Threats

Cats, hawks, weasels, and snakes prey on adults or chicks.
Harsh winters can cause population declines, though numbers typically recover quickly.

Key Identification Points

Feature	Description
Scientific name	Erithacus rubecula
Common name	European robin
Family	Muscicapidae
Length	12.5–14 cm
Wingspan	20–22 cm
Weight	14–21 g
Diet	Insects, worms, fruit
Habitat	Woodland, gardens, parks
Conservation status	Least Concern

Interesting Facts

The robin is a national bird of the United Kingdom.
Both sexes sing, unusual among European songbirds.
Juvenile robins are completely spotty brown, gaining the red breast after their first molt.
Robins are territorial year-round, even during winter.
They use song to establish and defend territory both day and night.

Summary

The European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) is a small, bold songbird beloved across Europe for its bright red breast, gentle appearance, and melodic song. Found in gardens, forests, and hedgerows, it symbolizes resilience through winter and is a familiar companion to people across its range. Despite its delicate look, the robin is fiercely territorial and remarkably adaptable, thriving in both wild and urban settings.