[digitalbirdy]

I can not find any info in my reference books stating any differences between male and female Robins (I am in the south west UK). I often get a pair visit at the moment and other than one looks a bit 'fluffier' and sits perched high watching while the other feeds, they seem the same.

Would this be a potential breading pair?
Are there any diferences?

Many thanks - Adrian

[Larry Wheatland]

Originally Posted by digitalbirdy

I can not find any info in my reference books stating any differences between male and female Robins (I am in the south west UK). I often get a pair visit at the moment and other than one looks a bit 'fluffier' and sits perched high watching while the other feeds, they seem the same.

Would this be a potential breading pair?
Are there any diferences?

Many thanks - Adrian

unless someone has discovered a way of telling them apart recently I believe that the sexes are indistinguishable on plumage. In the Spring it is only the males that sing so this is your best clue, but note that in the Autumn the females sing too and set up their own territories.

[Nicola Main]

Originally Posted by digitalbirdy

I can not find any info in my reference books stating any differences between male and female Robins (I am in the south west UK). I often get a pair visit at the moment and other than one looks a bit 'fluffier' and sits perched high watching while the other feeds, they seem the same.

Would this be a potential breading pair?
Are there any diferences?

Many thanks - Adrian

As to your last question Adrian according to my book 'The Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide to Garden Birds' there are subtle differences in plumage between male and female robins. It says that the angle of brown on the forehead which turns into the red of the face forms a 'U'-shape in males and a 'V'-shape in females. Other than that there are no real differences.

Regards, Silverfalcon.

[Keith Dickinson]

I've just checked with BWPi and in the text there are no plumage differences given for robins, but on 2 of the plates shown the figure is labelled male?

[London Birder]

I've heard about the 'U ~ 'V' differences on the forehead but can't say I've ever tried it in the field

[KnockerNorton]

They're indistinguishable on plumage, although most males are slightly larger. But you'd not really be able to use that in the field, it's only useful for ringers.

[digitalbirdy]

Thank you all very much - thats just what I needed to know.

Adrian

[Lucky Birder]

Wait til they get it on, take a photo and then study any differences.

[Birdspotter]

Originally Posted by Lucky Birder

Wait til they get it on, take a photo and then study any differences.

Yep agree, see who's on top and who's below best way of telling them apart.

[aythya_hybrid]

Originally Posted by Birdspotter

Yep agree, see who's on top and who's below best way of telling them apart.

you make rather anthropomorphic assumptions about gender roles and dominance/submission there!

[JANJ]

Originally Posted by aythya_hybrid

you make rather anthropomorphic assumptions about gender roles and dominance/submission there!

Well he sure does, doesn´t he.
JanJ