Iris Clelford for Whistlefish
Robins are one of the most common garden birds, and often found in millions of gardens, sitting on the end of a gardener’s fork (note that forks can kill earthworms, so try to practice no-dig gardening, as this is better for worms and the robins that eat them). A surprising fact about robins is that most don’t live very long. So the ‘same robin’ you see each year, is likely an ancestor, rather than the same one. Robins often appear on Christmas cards, as during Victorian times, postmen wore bright red uniforms, hence they were called after the friendly red bird.
Also found in parks and hedgerows, robins are easy to identify, due to their beautiful red breast which goes right up to their cute faces and throats, although robin juveniles are a mottled brown. Make sure your garden is safe from hazards, as robins can make nests in anything from old kettles to flower pots to post boxes (or anything near the ground).
Although not endangered, robins are at risk of habitat loss and also to predators like dogs, cats and other wildlife. They can lose 10% of their body weight in just one cold night, so planting lots of natural food (like berries in wild hedgerows) can help, rather than artificial feeding, that can harm if you move or die.
Known for being fiercely territorial, they will often attack other robins, including reflections of themselves, so see the post on how to stop birds flying into windows, for more information on that.
Some people say that if you see a bird with a red breast following you – it means it’s a sign that a beloved relative is near.
How to Help Robins
Iris Clelford for Whistlefish
- Garden organically and use humane, toxin-free slug deterrents.
- Keep cats indoors at dawn and dusk, when most birds feed. Avoid wooden poles, that cats claw up.
- Most robins make their own nests. Never donate ribbon or string or human hair/pet fur (can choke/harm) nor washing machine lint (chokes, mouldy).
- See how to help our garden birds for what to (occasionally) feed and what not to. In summary, never feed dry crusty or fatty foods (they can choke or affect waterproofing/insulation of feathers). And never feed baby birds nuts (any unsalted crushed nuts for adults should be guaranteed free from aflatoxin, stored in a cool dry place and removed after a couple of days, if uneaten).
Stephen’s Book on Robins
The Robin is a lovely book by one of our best wildlife and nature writers. With quaint illustrations, this book records a year of observing the robin both close to home and in the field, shedding light on the hidden life of this familiar bird. Follow the bird from when it enters the world as an egg, through a nestling to juvenile and adult – courtship, song, breeding, feeding, migration and ultimately death.
