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| − | [[Image:Robin.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by {{user|Nigel+Kiteley|Nigel Kiteley}}]] | + | [[Image:Robin.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo © by {{user|Nigel+Kiteley|Nigel Kiteley}}<br />Canncck chase, April 2007]] |
;[[:Category:Erithacus|Erithacus]] rubecula | ;[[:Category:Erithacus|Erithacus]] rubecula | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | 12.5 – 14.0 cm<br /> | + | 12.5 – 14.0 cm (5-5½ in)<br /> |
Thin brown bill<br /> | Thin brown bill<br /> | ||
Brown legs<br /> | Brown legs<br /> | ||
'''Adult''': Olive-brown above, orange-red face, throat and breast. Bluish-grey flanks and whitish belly.<br /> | '''Adult''': Olive-brown above, orange-red face, throat and breast. Bluish-grey flanks and whitish belly.<br /> | ||
'''Juvenile''': speckled brown all over, it will be two to three months from fledging, before reddish feathers begin to appear under the chin. | '''Juvenile''': speckled brown all over, it will be two to three months from fledging, before reddish feathers begin to appear under the chin. | ||
| + | [[Image:Juv RB 6660.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Juvenile<br />Photo © by {{user|Mali|Mali}}<br />South [[Wales]], June 2008]] | ||
====Similar Species==== | ====Similar Species==== | ||
Juvenile is very similar to other chats, particularly juvenile [[Common Nightingale]]. | Juvenile is very similar to other chats, particularly juvenile [[Common Nightingale]]. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | |||
Widespread in [[Europe]] from western [[Siberia]], south to [[Algeria]] and as far as the [[Azores]] and [[Madeira]]. In the south east, it reaches the [[Caucasus]] range.<br />British Robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter and a few of these migrate as far as [[Spain]]. | Widespread in [[Europe]] from western [[Siberia]], south to [[Algeria]] and as far as the [[Azores]] and [[Madeira]]. In the south east, it reaches the [[Caucasus]] range.<br />British Robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter and a few of these migrate as far as [[Spain]]. | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
Formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, but is now considered to belong to the Old World flycatchers (Muscicapidae). European Robins and similar small European species are often called chats. | Formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, but is now considered to belong to the Old World flycatchers (Muscicapidae). European Robins and similar small European species are often called chats. | ||
| − | European | + | The only species in the genus ''Erithacus'', but formerly considered congeneric with [[Japanese Robin]] and [[Ryukyu Robin]], these now moved to the genus ''[[:Category:Larvivora|Larvivora]]''. It was previously thought to be closely related to these, and to other European and Asian nightingales and robins in the genera ''[[:Category:Luscinia|Luscinia]]'' and ''[[:Category:Tarsiger|Tarsiger]]'', but recent genetic data has shown it is not closely related to these, nor to any other European or Asian birds, instead being in a group of tropical African robins in the genera ''[[:Category:Cossypha|Cossypha]]'', ''[[:Category:Cossyphicula|Cossyphicula]]'', ''[[:Category:Pogonocichla|Pogonocichla]]'', ''[[:Category:Pseudalethe|Pseudalethe]]'', ''[[:Category:Sheppardia|Sheppardia]]'', ''[[:Category:Stiphrornis|Stiphrornis]]'', and ''[[:Category:Swynnertonia|Swynnertonia]]''<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup>. |
| + | |||
| + | ====Subspecies==== | ||
| + | [[Image:Pettirosso1.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Photo © by {{user|ecavina|ecavina}}<br />S. Rossore, Pisa, [[Italy]], 1975]] | ||
| + | There are 8 subspecies<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup>: | ||
| + | *''E. r. melophilus'': | ||
| + | :*[[British Isles]] and [[Scandinavia]] | ||
| + | *''E. r. rubecula'': | ||
| + | :*Western [[Europe]], north-western [[Morocco]], [[Azores]], [[Madeira]] and western [[Canary Islands]] | ||
| + | *''E. r. superbus'': | ||
| + | :*Central Canary Islands ([[Tenerife]] and [[Gran Canaria]]) | ||
| + | *''E. r. witherbyi'': | ||
| + | :*Southern [[Spain]], [[Corsica]], [[Sardinia]], north-eastern [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]] and [[Tunisia]] | ||
| + | *''E. r. balcanicus'': | ||
| + | :*Balkan Peninsula to western [[Turkey]] | ||
| + | *''E. r. valens'': | ||
| + | :*Crimean Peninsula | ||
| + | *''E. r. hyrcanus'': | ||
| + | :*South-eastern Transcaucasia to northern [[Iran]] | ||
| + | *''E. r. tataricus'': | ||
| + | :*Western [[Siberia]] (Ural Mountains to Semipalatinsk); winters to [[Iran]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | The central Canary Island subspecies ''E. rubecula superbus'' has been proposed for a split under the name of Tenerife Robin or maybe even Superb Robin; so far this split does not seem to be supported by any major authority. | ||
| + | |||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Woodland of various kinds, usually deciduous or mixed but purely coniferous in some areas. Found in lower branches of trees and in bushes and shrubs, usually feeding on the ground. Common in parks and gardens, especially in [[Britain]], also hedgerows and road verges but avoids most open spaces, except maybe on migration. May enter buildings in very harsh weather. | Woodland of various kinds, usually deciduous or mixed but purely coniferous in some areas. Found in lower branches of trees and in bushes and shrubs, usually feeding on the ground. Common in parks and gardens, especially in [[Britain]], also hedgerows and road verges but avoids most open spaces, except maybe on migration. May enter buildings in very harsh weather. | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| − | Male Robins are highly territorial, and very aggressive for | + | Male Robins are highly territorial, and very aggressive for their size. |
| − | Very confiding and will approach close to man, certainly in the [[British Isles]]; Continental birds | + | Very confiding and will approach close to man, certainly in the [[British Isles]]; Continental birds appear to be more wary. Robins will also approach large wild animals that disturb the ground, to look for any food that might be brought to the surface. |
| + | ====Diet==== | ||
| + | They have a varied diet, which includes seeds and insects. They readily visit bird tables. | ||
====Flight==== | ====Flight==== | ||
Flight is rather 'flitting'. Flicks wings and tail when perched. Hops on ground. | Flight is rather 'flitting'. Flicks wings and tail when perched. Hops on ground. | ||
| Line 34: | Line 59: | ||
'''Song''': flutey and thin, warbling song in the breeding season, often singing after dark, leading to confusion with [[Common Nightingale]]. Both sexes sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories, the song then rather more plaintive than the summer version. Will sing all the year.<br /> | '''Song''': flutey and thin, warbling song in the breeding season, often singing after dark, leading to confusion with [[Common Nightingale]]. Both sexes sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories, the song then rather more plaintive than the summer version. Will sing all the year.<br /> | ||
'''Call''': includes "tic", "tsip", and plaintive "tsee". | '''Call''': includes "tic", "tsip", and plaintive "tsee". | ||
| − | + | {{ Audio|Erithacus rubecula (song).mp3 }} | |
| − | + | ||
| + | |||
==In Culture== | ==In Culture== | ||
The red breast patch led to its original name of "redbreast". In the middle ages it was usual to give human names to familiar species, the bird came to be known as Robin redbreast, which was eventually shortened to robin. | The red breast patch led to its original name of "redbreast". In the middle ages it was usual to give human names to familiar species, the bird came to be known as Robin redbreast, which was eventually shortened to robin. | ||
| Line 41: | Line 67: | ||
Folklore tells us that the Robin obtained his red breast because blood dripped onto him when removing a thorn from the head of Jesus. | Folklore tells us that the Robin obtained his red breast because blood dripped onto him when removing a thorn from the head of Jesus. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | #Animal Pictures Archive | + | #Sangster, G., Alström, P., Forsmark, E., & Olsson, U. (2010). Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of Old World chats and flycatchers reveals extensive paraphyly at family, subfamily and genus level (Aves: Muscicapidae). ''Molecular phylogenetics and evolution'' 57 (1): [http://www.nrm.se/download/18.3ebfe5cf12a9d3ebacb80002787/Sangster+et+al+2010+Muscicapidae+MPE.pdf 380-392]. |
| + | #{{Ref-Clements6thAug18}}#Animal Pictures Archive | ||
#Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966 | #Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966 | ||
#Collins Field Guide 5th Edition | #Collins Field Guide 5th Edition | ||
| + | {{ref}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Erithacus+rubecula}} | {{GSearch|Erithacus+rubecula}} | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
{{Video|European_Robin}} | {{Video|European_Robin}} | ||
| − | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Erithacus]][[Category:Bird Songs]] | + | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Erithacus]][[Category:Bird Songs]] [[Category:Videos]] |
Revision as of 13:49, 5 April 2021
- Erithacus rubecula
Identification
12.5 – 14.0 cm (5-5½ in)
Thin brown bill
Brown legs
Adult: Olive-brown above, orange-red face, throat and breast. Bluish-grey flanks and whitish belly.
Juvenile: speckled brown all over, it will be two to three months from fledging, before reddish feathers begin to appear under the chin.
Similar Species
Juvenile is very similar to other chats, particularly juvenile Common Nightingale.
Distribution
Widespread in Europe from western Siberia, south to Algeria and as far as the Azores and Madeira. In the south east, it reaches the Caucasus range.
British Robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter and a few of these migrate as far as Spain.
The females move a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby territory that is more suitable for winter feeding. Males keep the same territory throughout the year.
Scandinavian and Russian Robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast.
Taxonomy
Formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, but is now considered to belong to the Old World flycatchers (Muscicapidae). European Robins and similar small European species are often called chats.
The only species in the genus Erithacus, but formerly considered congeneric with Japanese Robin and Ryukyu Robin, these now moved to the genus Larvivora. It was previously thought to be closely related to these, and to other European and Asian nightingales and robins in the genera Luscinia and Tarsiger, but recent genetic data has shown it is not closely related to these, nor to any other European or Asian birds, instead being in a group of tropical African robins in the genera Cossypha, Cossyphicula, Pogonocichla, Pseudalethe, Sheppardia, Stiphrornis, and Swynnertonia[1].
Subspecies
There are 8 subspecies[2]:
- E. r. melophilus:
- E. r. rubecula:
- Western Europe, north-western Morocco, Azores, Madeira and western Canary Islands
- E. r. superbus:
- Central Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria)
- E. r. witherbyi:
- E. r. balcanicus:
- Balkan Peninsula to western Turkey
- E. r. valens:
- Crimean Peninsula
- E. r. hyrcanus:
- South-eastern Transcaucasia to northern Iran
- E. r. tataricus:
The central Canary Island subspecies E. rubecula superbus has been proposed for a split under the name of Tenerife Robin or maybe even Superb Robin; so far this split does not seem to be supported by any major authority.
Habitat
Woodland of various kinds, usually deciduous or mixed but purely coniferous in some areas. Found in lower branches of trees and in bushes and shrubs, usually feeding on the ground. Common in parks and gardens, especially in Britain, also hedgerows and road verges but avoids most open spaces, except maybe on migration. May enter buildings in very harsh weather.
Behaviour
Male Robins are highly territorial, and very aggressive for their size.
Very confiding and will approach close to man, certainly in the British Isles; Continental birds appear to be more wary. Robins will also approach large wild animals that disturb the ground, to look for any food that might be brought to the surface.
Diet
They have a varied diet, which includes seeds and insects. They readily visit bird tables.
Flight
Flight is rather 'flitting'. Flicks wings and tail when perched. Hops on ground.
Breeding
A tidy nest-cup is constructed in crevices, holes or artificial sites such as discarded kettles.
Vocalisation
Song: flutey and thin, warbling song in the breeding season, often singing after dark, leading to confusion with Common Nightingale. Both sexes sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories, the song then rather more plaintive than the summer version. Will sing all the year.
Call: includes "tic", "tsip", and plaintive "tsee".
In Culture
The red breast patch led to its original name of "redbreast". In the middle ages it was usual to give human names to familiar species, the bird came to be known as Robin redbreast, which was eventually shortened to robin.
Folklore tells us that the Robin obtained his red breast because blood dripped onto him when removing a thorn from the head of Jesus.
References
- Sangster, G., Alström, P., Forsmark, E., & Olsson, U. (2010). Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of Old World chats and flycatchers reveals extensive paraphyly at family, subfamily and genus level (Aves: Muscicapidae). Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 57 (1): 380-392.
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Animal Pictures Archive
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) European Robin. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 16 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/European_Robin
External Links
