Robin

Adult European Robin is 12.5�14.0 cm (5.0�5.5 in) long and weighs 16�22 g (9/16�13/16 oz), with a wingspan of... more

by Andy Stuart

Title

Robin

Artist

Andy Stuart

Medium

Photograph

Description

Adult European Robin is 12.5�14.0 cm (5.0�5.5 in) long and weighs 16�22 g (9/16�13/16 oz), with a wingspan of 20�22 cm (8�9 in). The male and female bear similar plumage; an orange breast and face 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.
Well known to British and Irish gardeners, it is relatively unafraid of people and likes to come close when anyone is digging the soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food freshly turned up. Indeed, the robin is considered to be a gardener's friend and for various folklore reasons the robin would never be harmed. Male Robins are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behaviour. They will attack other males that stray into their territories, and have been observed attacking other small birds without apparent provocation. Such attacks sometimes lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult Robin deaths in some areas.

Uploaded

March 19th, 2012