The European Robin
2025-12-03
The European Robin is one of the most familiar winter garden birds in Central Europe. It is territorial, curious, and often the first bird to appear near feeders and garden paths.
EN: European Robin
NL: Roodborst
DE: Rotkehlchen
Scientific name: Erithacus rubecula
Identification
Size: 12.5–14 cm
Wingspan: 20–22 cm
Plumage: Orange-red face and breast, brown upperparts, whitish belly
Sex differences: Male and female look identical
Juvenile: Speckled brown without red breast
Habitat
Occurs in:
Gardens
Forest edges
Parks
Hedges and shrubs
Damp woodland
Robins prefer areas with dense cover close to open ground for foraging.
Diet
Primary foods:
Insects, worms, larvae, spiders
Small beetles
Winter additions:
Soft fruits (berries)
Raisins (unsulphured)
Mealworms
Finely chopped nuts
High-quality soft food mixes
Robins avoid large seeds; they prefer soft, protein-rich foods.
Behavior
Strongly territorial year-round
Often sings even in winter (males defend winter territories)
Bold and curious around humans
Forages mostly on the ground
Flicking wings and tail is common when alert
Robins rarely form flocks; they defend small winter territories of 0.2–1 hectare.
Winter Behavior
Very active at dawn and dusk
Feeds close to the ground or low shrubs
Seeks sheltered roosting spots: ivy, dense bushes, woodpiles
Visits gardens more often when frost reduces insect availability
May overwinter locally or migrate short distances depending on region
Nesting and Breeding
Nesting season: March–July
Nests built in covered spots: shrubs, sheds, tree roots, flowerpots, wall crevices
Nest material: moss, leaves, hair, grass
Clutch: 4–6 eggs
Incubation: ~13 days (female only)
Fledging: 12–15 days
Robins raise 2–3 broods per year.
Interaction With Gardens
Attracted by mealworms, soft food, and calm feeding areas
Prefers ground feeders or low platforms
Avoids crowded feeder areas with aggressive species (sparrows, tits)
May sing from bushes near nest boxes and cameras
Ecological Role
Controls insect and worm populations
Sensitive indicator species for habitat quality
Important prey for predators such as sparrowhawks, cats, and owls
EN: European Robin
NL: Roodborst
DE: Rotkehlchen
Scientific name: Erithacus rubecula
Identification
Size: 12.5–14 cm
Wingspan: 20–22 cm
Plumage: Orange-red face and breast, brown upperparts, whitish belly
Sex differences: Male and female look identical
Juvenile: Speckled brown without red breast
Habitat
Occurs in:
Gardens
Forest edges
Parks
Hedges and shrubs
Damp woodland
Robins prefer areas with dense cover close to open ground for foraging.
Diet
Primary foods:
Insects, worms, larvae, spiders
Small beetles
Winter additions:
Soft fruits (berries)
Raisins (unsulphured)
Mealworms
Finely chopped nuts
High-quality soft food mixes
Robins avoid large seeds; they prefer soft, protein-rich foods.
Behavior
Strongly territorial year-round
Often sings even in winter (males defend winter territories)
Bold and curious around humans
Forages mostly on the ground
Flicking wings and tail is common when alert
Robins rarely form flocks; they defend small winter territories of 0.2–1 hectare.
Winter Behavior
Very active at dawn and dusk
Feeds close to the ground or low shrubs
Seeks sheltered roosting spots: ivy, dense bushes, woodpiles
Visits gardens more often when frost reduces insect availability
May overwinter locally or migrate short distances depending on region
Nesting and Breeding
Nesting season: March–July
Nests built in covered spots: shrubs, sheds, tree roots, flowerpots, wall crevices
Nest material: moss, leaves, hair, grass
Clutch: 4–6 eggs
Incubation: ~13 days (female only)
Fledging: 12–15 days
Robins raise 2–3 broods per year.
Interaction With Gardens
Attracted by mealworms, soft food, and calm feeding areas
Prefers ground feeders or low platforms
Avoids crowded feeder areas with aggressive species (sparrows, tits)
May sing from bushes near nest boxes and cameras
Ecological Role
Controls insect and worm populations
Sensitive indicator species for habitat quality
Important prey for predators such as sparrowhawks, cats, and owls