The Eurasian Robin Erithacus rubecula is one of the most popular birds in Europe and also one of the most common ones. The European Population is more than 40 Million breeding pairs, maybe even more than 80 Million. The Robin can be seen all around Europe in forests, scrubs, hedges and gardens. Adult birds have a bright orange breast which is a signal for other Robins to stay out of a bird’s territory. Juvenile birds lack the orange breast.

Robins weigh between 10 and 21 grams and have a wingspan of about 20cm. Their size is about 14cm. During the breeding season they feed on small insects and other invertebrates like caterpillars, bugs, woodlice, aphids and others. During autumn and winter they have a more vegetarian diet, mostly composed of berries. They also come to bird feeders.
When hunting for small insects the birds search the ground or sit on a perch and fly down on their prey once they have spotted it.

Non migrating Robins often already occupy a territory during autumn. In early spring, Robins (normally the female) seek a place to build a nest. A place on the ground or near the ground is favored. They also nest on crevices and tree holes, preferable near the ground. Artificial nest boxes are also accepted sometimes.
Robins normally breed two times a year, rarely three times. The female lays between 4 and 6 eggs (sometimes more) and is breeding them for about two weeks. Breeding attempts often fail because of predators (foxes, squirrels, magpies, etc). If successful, the young Robins fledge after two weeks.
Many will not survive until the next years. Strong winters kill many Robins. Others are killed by predators like Eurasian Sparrowhawks.

Unlike many other songbirds, Eurasian Robins also sing during autumn and winter, also not as often as in spring. Only during summer (July and August), when they are molting do they keep more quiet.

For many people, the Robin is a very cute bird. But those little fellows can become very aggressive when defending their territories. When there is dispute over territories, the birds will first try to defend it singing and showing the orange breasts. Most of the time, this is enough to scare off an intruder. But sometimes the intruder won’t go that easily. Then Robins are able to start a violent fight, trying to hit the opponents eyes and head with their bills. Sometimes, this can lead to the death of one of the fighters.

The destruction of hedges or the removal of scrubs and under story in forests can reduce Robin population in some areas. For birds depending on invertebrates during the breeding season, pesticides can affect birds themselves or reduce breeding success, because the adults cannot find enough food.
But because of the high number of breeding pairs and the adaptability of the Eurasian Robin to humans, the species is currently not threatened.