The Christmas Robin
The robin is a bird which is synonymous with UK winters and Christmas. This colourful little bird is often seen on Christmas cards, Christmas wrapping paper and is used as inspiration for many Christmas decorations. It is unsurprising that the robin is used as he adds a splash of colour during the dreary winter months when most birds have long migrated to warmer climbs.
Robins aren't unique to the UK – they actually live in many countries in Europe and Western Siberia. However the UK begins to notice robins more during the winter months as robins who live in colder areas will move to warmer wintering grounds during the autumn.
As many gardeners will know, robins are curious and friendly birds. When gardening, they will often perch nearby, hopeful that the gardener will turn the soil and reveal a juicy worm or two. A little known fact is that robins can also fish, although thanks to their size and weight (they are around 14cm long and weigh up to around 20 grams), they can only catch very small fish.
Robins are also quite vocal and the beautiful bird song which is often heard through the winter months is in fact the robin singing to mark out their territory.
Robin nests are usually not the traditional nests made of twigs and leaves. Instead, a robin will start to mate and nest in late March. The female robin will build a nest out of dead leaves and moss in nooks and crannies which is why you will sometimes hear old tales of robin nests found in strange places such as old wellies or watering cans.
Robin chicks are not born with their characteristic red breast feathers – these only appear after their chick feathers are shed. Unfortunately, many robins will never have their trademark red breast as half of all chicks born will die within the first year.
So whilst you are cosying up this Christmas, eating your Christmas feast, spare a thought for the robin in the cold outside. Help support him and his family by leaving some treats on the bird table such as:
- Mealworms (a firm robin favourite – you will probably be able to feed these by hand)
- Fat Balls
- Fruit Cake (robins have a sweet tooth and love cake, particularly fruit cake)
Questions and Answers
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