Biography
Read all about the habits of the country's most distinctive bird, from its warbling song to its mating ritual.
The Basics
Our national bird only acquired the male nickname “Robin” in the Middle Ages, when it was believed that the female lacked the gaudy red coat of her male counterpart. In fact, both sexes are proudly, vividly red, and we should really give the bird its proper name, the redbreast.
Life and Times
With its bright red breast and beautiful warbling song, the robin (Erithacus rubecula) is probably the best-loved bird in Britain. Our tamest bird, it follows gardeners to seize worms uncovered by the spade. Although small, it is a fierce fighter, willing to battle with rival birds to the death to defend its territory.
