Identification
Length: 14cm.

The Robin is one of the easiest European birds to identify. The red face distinguishes it from other red-breasted birds. Adults have a red-orange breast, throat and forehead, olive-brown upper parts. The orange part is often edged with a band of grey. They young lack the orange on the breast and have dark-brown and buff mottling. This bird is very trusting with humans. Although it generally lives in dense vegetation it likes to feed in the open, especially in summer. it will fly to the ground, seize food and return to its perch. It repeats this whole sequence several times. On the ground it moves in a rapid succession of long hops, in an almost hunched position for a step or two, then stops and assumes an upright posture.
Flight is usually short and shows the pale under-tail coverts as it flies. They can be aggressive towards its own king and birds of other species. Both sexes defend their territory. In the position of defence the Robin holds its head erect to display their orange breast, their body rapidly sway sideways.

Call
A repeated, persistent 'tic; is the most common call. Their song is thin and warbling and may be heard almost throughout the year.

Reproduction
Breeding is from late March onwards. The nest is built in holes in banks, in cavities in trees or in hedges. The female builds it out of leaves and moss and lines it with fine roots and hair. In Britain and Ireland the Robin also breed in walls or on buildings.
Five to six eggs are normally laid. They are white and non-glossy, with small sandy or reddish markings, which vary in intensity. The female alone incubates the eggs for twelve to fifteen days. The young are tended by both parents. They are double or occasionally treble brooded.

Habitat
Generally nests in forests with dense undergrowth. Like scrub, gardens, hedgerows and town parks. It is a common suburban bird.

Natural Food
Chiefly insects

Where to Feed
Ground Feed - Scatter food in the open
Ground Feed - Scatter food near cover
Table Feeder - Open topped
Table Feeder - Covered

Suitable Wild Bird Food from the Shop
Ark Wild Bird XTRA
Ark 'No Grow' Scatter XTRA
Ark 'All-Purpose' Mix
Ark Songbird Softbill
Ark Songbird Softbill with Insects
Live Food

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