Erithacus rubecula · Irish: Spideog

Ireland's favourite bird — feisty, friendly, and famously fearless.

Habitat: Gardens, hedgerows and woodland edges — found everywhere from suburban flowerbeds to remote hillsides. | Season: All year

Identification

• Orange-red face and breast edged with pale blue-grey
• Olive-brown upperparts; upright, alert stance
• Sexes look alike

Behaviour

Fiercely territorial all year round (unusual among songbirds); sings almost year-round and often perches close to gardeners, waiting for disturbed insects.

Did you know?

The robin's link to Christmas cards began with Victorian postmen, nicknamed "robins" for their red uniforms — the bird became a symbol of the postman delivering festive cards.

🔎 My Sighting

📑 Back to Garden Birds