So, if the robin is generally not too keen on the cold winter snow, how on earth did it end up being associated with the stuff on millions of Christmas cards? This appears to be connected to the development of the postal service in the UK. They only live a couple of years anyway (although despite high levels of mortality, their numbers have actually increased significantly in the UK since the 1970s), and a severe, prolonged, snowy cold snap can be fatal – food is often scarce at this time of the year anyway, and this tiny bird can use up to 10% of its entire body weight keeping warm during just one cold night. The seasonal changes in temperature that come with the onset of winter can be tough on the robin. During the summer time, territories will be held by mated pairs who defend it together, but by the time winter rolls round, each robin will be singing noisily to protect its own individual patch. Both the male and female sing, and have different songs for different times of the year, depending on the song’s purpose. Their attractive song is used to find a mate, although it is also part of their territorial display. Indeed, they will often aggressively defend their territory, and have been known to viciously attack other robins they perceive as a threat – and scientists have found that they will also go for small stuffed ‘toy’ robins or even clumps of red feathers! The birds and their nests are protected by law.īoth the male and female adult robins have red breasts (young birds are a sort of spotty golden brown), and it is these red feathers that seem to trigger the highly territorial nature of this otherwise innocuous-looking small bird. They often nest quite close to us too – sometimes in unusual and unexpected places such as sheds, hanging baskets, discarded kettles or pots, and farm machinery – and have two broods of young a year, often more. They eat worms, seeds, insects, and fruit frequently provided by us humans. The European robin ( Erithacus rubecula) is a common sight all year round and across the country, favouring hedgerows, gardens and parks in particular. But how well do we really know this much-loved creature? And why is it connected to the festive season anyway? Today, I’m going to attempt to find out more… This cheeky, cute little garden bird with its distinctive red breast and vivid song is a popular visitor to feeders and bird tables all round the UK – and it is one of the animals we most closely associate with Christmas too.
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