The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), commonly known as the robin or robin redbreast in the British Isles, is a small insectivorous passerine bird found throughout Europe, Western Siberia, and North Africa. It typically measures 12.5 to 14.0 cm (4.9 to 5.5 inches) in length and weighs between 16 and 22 grams (0.56 to 0.78 ounces). Both male and female robins have an orange breast and face, with brown upper parts and a whitish belly.
Robins are diurnal but can also hunt at night near artificial light. They are well-known to gardeners, often following people digging in the soil to find earthworms and other food. Traditionally seen as a symbol of protection due to its red breast, the robin is unafraid of humans in the British Isles. In contrast, robins in continental Europe are more wary due to historical hunting.
In autumn and winter, robins supplement their usual diet of insects and spiders with berries, fruit, and seeds. Males exhibit aggressive territorial behavior, fiercely defending their territory and sometimes attacking other birds, including their own reflection. These disputes can lead to fatalities, accounting for up to 10% of adult robin deaths in some areas.
