Robin Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
The Robin (Erithacus rubecula) is a familiar sight in the UK and can be seen in woodlands, farmlands, heathlands, as well as in urban and suburban areas. Easily recognisable thanks to its image being featured on numerous Christmas cards since Victorian times. The reason for that was that postmen used to wear a red waistcoat which earned them the nickname of Robin Redbreasts.
These small birds are one of only a few species that sing throughout the winter months. Their song is often heard at night and can get confused with the song of the Nightingale. Male and female Robins look pretty much identical with that same orange-red breast and face, grey and brown upperparts and white underparts.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the dietary habits, breeding habits, the size and weight as well as the conservation status and predators of these fascinating UK residents.
Table of Contents
The Dietary Habits Of The Robin
Robins have a varied diet that changes with the seasons; this adaptability helps them survive during periods when their primary food sources are scarce.
What Does A Robin Eat?
The primary food source of the Robin consists of insects and invertebrates. They feed on insects including; spiders, beetles, worms and other small invertebrates.
When these foods become more scarce, during winter, Robins will eat berries, fruit and seeds. They prefer elderberries, rowan berries and blackberries. As numbers of these berries start to dwindle, Robins turn to eating seeds.
What To Feed A Baby Robin?
Robins feed their chicks on a protein rich diet in order for them to grow and develop at a fast rate. The chicks are fed on a diet of insects and invertebrates including; caterpillars, spiders and worms.
The parents will spend huge amounts of time hunting and delivering food to the nest for their chicks during the youngsters early life and development.
Breeding Habits Of Robins
The breeding season for the Robin generally starts in March and can run through to July or even August. During that time they can raise 2 or even 3 broods depending on favourable weather conditions and food supplies.
The male will sing a soft song close to the female of his choice to attract her whilst claiming his territory. He will also offer her small amounts of food to symbolise his ability to provide for her and her clutch of chicks.
Both male and female Robins are highly territorial so the male must remain cautious and respectful around the female until she has accepted him as her mate. She shows her acceptance by allowing him to come closer to her.
Once they have formed a pair, the female will build a nest out of materials given to her by the male. The female incubates the eggs by herself with the male supplying her with food and protecting his territory.
Do Robins Mate For Life?
Although Robins don’t usually mate for life, they form season long pair bonds. The following season they will both find new partners and start the breeding process all over again.
Having said that, there have been cases of the same pairs reuniting in subsequent seasons if both have survived. They sometimes return to the same areas where they met and often meet up again if the previous season’s pairing was successful.
The Size & Weight Of Robins
Although relatively small birds, Robins can be ferocious when defending their territories.
How Much Does A Robin Weigh?
The average weight of an adult Robin is anywhere between 14 to 21 grams. Their weight can vary throughout the year depending on the abundance of food supplies available.
How Big Is A Robin?
An adult Robin will have a typical length of around 14 cm and a wingspan of around 20 to 22 cm. Many Robins remain sedentary but those from the far north of their habitat range can achieve flight speeds of around 30 to 35 miles per hour (48 to 56 km/h).
Are Robins Under Threat?
Robins are currently classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means they are not considered to be under any immediate threat.
Robins have established widespread and stable populations all across the UK and much of Europe. Having said that, they do face some problems, which include; the loss of some of their habitats due to the destruction of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens.
They also face the problems faced by many birds in relation to the overuse of pesticides and other chemicals which reduces the insect population making it harder for Robins to find food.
Another issue that could be problematic to Robins is climate change. Changing weather patterns can disrupt the availability of food and affect the timing of migration and breeding, which could cause long-term problems for the Robin population.
What Eats A Robin?
Adult Robins are under threat from birds of prey including Sparrowhawks and Kestrels which will take Robins as they fly. Domestic cats will also take adult birds especially in urban and suburban areas.
Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to squirrels, weasels, stoats and other small mammals.
Where Can I See Robins In The UK?
Robins are one of the most commonly seen birds throughout the UK and can be seen in a wide range of habitats. Thanks to their highly adaptable nature, they can survive in many different locations. Including;
- Parks & Gardens
Robins are often seen on garden bird feeders and in bushes where they hunt for insects and other invertebrates. Robins will often follow a gardener around the garden and snatch any worms or slugs exposed during digging. - Forests & Woodlands
Robins thrive in woodland habitats where they nest and forage for food. They are often found in hedgerows, on scrubland and areas with thick undergrowth in forests. - Farmland and Countryside
The hedgerows that border farmlands are common Robin habitats. You can often spot Robins in fields or down country lanes foraging for food. - Urban Sites & Churchyards
Robins can often be spotted in quieter urban spaces including churchyards and cemeteries which have trees and shrubs which can harbour insects. - Nature Reserves & Wildlife Sanctuaries
Many nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries across the UK host healthy Robin populations. Reserves like RSPB reserves are excellent places to spot Robins along with other native birds.
Robins are year round residents in the UK and can be seen throughout all 4 seasons. They are easy to spot especially in winter when their bright orange-red breast stands out against a drab, dark landscape. They are also more visible during winter because they have to forage in more open spaces to find food.
SEE ALSO: Whimbrel Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Robins are year round residents in the UK. However, some from northern Europe might move south to warmer areas during winter.
Robins eat mainly insects as well as worms and spiders. When insects and invertebrates are in short supply, Robins will eat berries, fruit and seeds.
Robins typically build their nests around 2 metres (6 feet) above the ground. They prefer to build their nests in hidden or sheltered places like hedges, tree holes, crevices in walls or even in unused barbecues.
