About the European Robin
The European robin, known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in the British Isles, is a small insectivorous passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found across Europe, as far east as Western Siberia, and as far south as North Africa. It is sedentary in the west and south of its range, and migratory in the north and east of its range where winters are harsher.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The adult European robin is 12.5–14.0 cm (4.9–5.5 in) long and weighs 16–22 g (0.56–0.78 oz), with a wingspan of 20–22 cm (8–8.5 in). The male and female bear similar plumage: an orange breast and face (more strongly coloured in the otherwise similar British subspecies E. r. melophilus), lined by a bluish grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly whitish, while the legs and feet are brown. The bill and eyes are black. Juveniles are a spotted brown and white in colouration, with patches of orange gradually appearing. Voice: The robin produces a fluting, warbling during the breeding season. Both the male and female sing throughout the year, including during the winter, when they hold separate territories. During the winter, the robin's song is more plaintive than the summer version. The female robin moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the European Robin sounds like
Where the European Robin lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Afghanistan, Japan, Bahrain, South Korea.
When to see the European Robin
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
European Pied FlycatcherFicedula hypoleucaThis is a 12–13.5 centimetres (4.7–5.3 in) long bird.
Black RedstartPhoenicurus ochrurosThe black redstart is 13–14.5 cm (5.1–5.7 in) in length and 12–20 g (0.42–0.71 oz) in weight, similar to the common redstart.
European StonechatSaxicola rubicolaThe stonechat is 11.5–13 cm (4.5–5.1 in) long and weighs 13–17 g (0.46–0.60 oz), slightly smaller than the European robin.
Side by side: European Pied Flycatcher vs European Robin · Black Redstart vs European Robin · European Robin vs European Stonechat
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