Fun European Robin Facts For Kids

The European robin, also referred to as the robin redbreast, are a small bird that is predominantly found in Europe and in some parts of Siberia as well as the Northern African continent. It is classified as a passerine bird. They are called robin redbreasts because both the sexes of this species has a bright orange breast. These birds are quite tiny and feed on various insects. The robin was also declared as the national bird of Britain in 1960. European robin migration takes place during the winter, in order to escape the harsh winters of Siberia and North Britain.

Read on to know some quick facts about the European robin. After reading about these European robin quick facts, you may also look at cardinal bird facts and gouldian finch facts.

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What type of animal is a European robin?

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is a bird belonging to the muscicapidae family. With shading of orange, gray, white and brown, the members of this species constitute a group of small insectivorous songbirds.  

What class of animal does a European robin belong to?

European robins belong to class aves. That is the biological classification of organisms characterized by the presence of forelimbs which are modified into wings and a body covered with feathers.

How many European robins are there in the world?

Currently, in Europe itself, there are about 90 million mating pairs of European robins. That equals more than 180 million individual robins in Europe alone. All over the world, this number is in excess of 200 million.

Where does a European robin live?

European robins (Erithacus rubecula) live in the woods of Europe. They live specifically in spruce woods, or areas with plants and trees such as parks and gardens in Northern Europe.

What is a European robin's habitat?

European robin birds live in the woods, specifically spruce woods and areas with plants and trees such as parks or gardens. In general, these British birds prefer slightly warm climates and therefore robins migrate from their homelands to warmer areas in the winter. British robins mostly lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not leave their birth area. Only a few adult males like to migrate between summer and winter territories.

Who do European robins live with?

European robins (Erithacus rubecula) are birds who have a solitary nature. Male robin redbreasts are also highly conscious and protective of their territories. Despite this, these British birds do not generally shy away from human beings. In fact, the European robin is one of the few birds that invite human contact and communication. They are often found living comfortably in densely populated urban and suburban settlements where there are parks and wooded areas nearby.

How long does a European robin live?

European robins can have an expected life span of about 19 to 20 years. However, this is provided that they can successfully live through their first year. This is because the robin redbreast or European robin has an extremely high death rate in the first year of their life.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season for European robins starts in the month of March when the weather is pleasant. Being known to actively and consistently procreate, the European robin can create around four to five broods within a span of twelve months. Every brood normally consists of an average of four eggs that are laid in the nest. The nests of European robins are constructed in a sheltered position far above ground level. Having the nest at such height offers the eggs, as well as the chicks, protection from predators who forage on the ground.

European robins often keep breeding despite already having one brood in the nest to take care of. In such situations, the male robin ensures that its existing chicks are fed well, whereas the female will incubate the European robin eggs of the new brood. This overlapping pattern of European robin chicks being born ensures that its population doesn’t dwindle drastically despite facing high mortality rates in harsh winter months.

What is their conservation status?

European robins are a species that is abundantly found in their regular locations. In fact, they have a population exceeding 200 million spread out all over the world. Therefore, it is classified as a species of Least Concern in terms of conservation efforts. These birds enjoy protection in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

What do European robins look like?

European robins are small birds. They weigh only about 0.034-0.048 lb (0.55-0.77 oz) and have a wingspan of 8-9 in (20-22 cm). When at their juvenile stage of life, these birds are generally white in color with brownish spots all over it. Its trademark orange-red breast at this stage is still growing and is merely an orangish-yellow patch. Once they are adults, European robins are very adorable and pretty to look at. Both male robins as well as the female ones have a patch of orange on their breast that extends onto their skull. Beyond their orange patch, there is a hue of gray and blue fading under the wings which themselves are bluish in color. European robins have striking black eyes and white bellies. These characteristics do differ a little depending on the robins location.

How cute are they?

European robins are an extremely cute bird. A bonus is that these tiny birds are very sociable with humans and can often be found befriending them. On a scale of 1 to 5, European robins would secure a 5 in terms of cuteness.

How do they communicate?

European robin songs are primarily used in order to find a mate during their mating season. Experts describe a European robin call as a fluting, warbling song that is actually very melodious. The European robin sings in the winter, and these songs are described as cheery sounds. However, European robin songs in the summer sounds very serious and lonely. Mating calls are always at the initiative of the male European robins and these songs are sung just before sunrise and come to an end about half an hour after sunset. Robins also use their songs to communicate fear, anxiety and territorial dominance.

How big is a European robin?

European robins are fairly small birds. Their wingspan usually grows as long as 8-9 in (20-22 cm) and from head to toe, this bird is usually as long as about 5 in (12 cm).

How fast can a European robin fly?

The European robin, on an average basis flies at speeds of 30 mph (48 kmph). This is a pretty good speed for such small birds.

How much does a European robin weigh?

The small birds weigh about 0.034-0.048 lb (0.55-0.77 oz) only.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no individual names assigned to the separate sexes of European robins. They are known as a male European robin and a female European robin respectively. The only point of differentiation between the male and female European robin is the distinct shape of the beak.

What would you call a baby European robin?

No specific name is assigned to the chicks of European robins. Therefore, following the terminology typically used for birds, a baby European robin can be referred to as a juvenile European robin.

What do they eat?

European robins are known to be insectivorous in terms of diet as a species. Therefore, these British birds usually feast on insects like spiders, cockroaches, worms, and other types of insects. However in winter and autumn, since insects are difficult to find, the European robin can adapt their diet to change by consuming fruits, berries and other readily available vegetation.

Are they friendly?

As a matter of fact, the European robin is known to be a sociable bird among human populations. These birds have no issues when it comes to living in densely human-populated regions such as urban and suburban areas. They will often approach humans by themselves and socialize.

Would they make a good pet?

Owing to their sociable and friendly nature, the European robin would actually make for a good pet. Moreover, these are low-maintenance birds since these British birds don’t need constant attention or regular grooming and physical space. Their diet can also be very flexible and can include insects of different kinds as well as fruits and berries. If you feel that you can provide for these basic requirements, the European robin would be a great pet for you.

Did you know...

European robins, in extremely cold weather, can fluff up their feathers as a way of creating insulation to keep itself warm. One of the easiest ways to attract robins close to you is to offer them freshly dug up soil. The reason for this is that the European robin is always on the lookout for fresh insects to eat and freshly dug-up ground gives them an opportunity to look for insects. Much like humans do, the European robin will express their affection for their mate by foraging for insects and berries. When you compare European robin vs American robin, they may look similar because of their orange chest, but they are not closely related. Have you ever wondered by robins are associated with Christmas and Christmas cards? Well, these birds have been associated with Christmas cards since these cards were once delivered by the red-coated postmen robins.

What is a robin a sign of?

Despite their adorable appearance and their usually friendly demeanor with humans, symbolically speaking, robins are not as cheery as they seem. European robins are associated primarily with death and storms. Some cultures consider the tapping of windows by European robins to be the announcement of either a death, or imminent death of a person that you love. However, the European robin is also generally linked to the miracle of rebirth. Some cultures believe that the robin also symbolizes freedom and passion of your spirit.

How tame is the European robin?

European robins are a fairly tame bird. Not only are they sociable but they also don’t need much space to live. They are only ever aggressive when threatened or when they need to establish dominance and authority over their territory in front of another male robin.

What does the European robin nest look like?

European robins construct their nests in very thoughtful locations so as to keep it safe from predators. They are usually made of dry leaves and moss vegetation on the outside with softer materials such as hair, feathers, grass, roots and so on. You will usually find these nests to be discreetly located in trees and plants. In urban areas their nests can be found in holes in the wall or letterboxes.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including tawny owl, or common buzzard.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our robin coloring pages.  

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