RSPB's Roberta reveals how robins became synonymous with UK Christmases and that they may not be as cute as they first appear!

Illustrations of robins can be found on Christmas cards, wrapping paper, Christmas tree ornaments and cake decorations.  This tradition was invented by the Victorians.  When the first postal service was established in the 1840s, postmen wore a red uniform.  They were servants of the Crown, whose national colour was red and they soon became known as 'Robin Redbreasts'.  There were postal deliveries on Christmas Day well into this century – and so the 'Robin' (the postman bringing gifts) became associated with Christmas.  A robin first appeared on a Christmas card in the 1860s, with the bird shown carrying an envelope.  This trend caught on and was soon reflected in a range of products.  Unfortunately, as Victorian tastes grew more extravagant, the robin's association with Christmas also held dangers for it – they were killed to provide real feathers for card decorations.

The distinctive plump red breast of robins makes them instantly recognisable and they are particularly conspicuous in winter, fluffing out their feathers to keep warm.  Both sexes have the red breast and both flaunt it – to act as a warning or used to attract a mate.  They are one of the few birds to sing throughout winter, even on the coldest of days, guarding or laying claim to their territory (the area where they search for food and raise their young).  In spring the male guards his territory just like any other bird.  However in autumn and winter both males and females have their own separate feeding territories which they defend against rivals – even chasing off large birds from a winter territory.

These birds may look cute, but they are fiercely territorial and even ‘murder’ other robins foolish enough to trespass.  Robins normally hop along the ground but stand very upright, bobbing their head and flicking their wings and tails when excited.  

They feed mainly on insects and the gardeners amongst us helpfully disturb worms for them.  We also supplement their diet by putting out mealworms, something robins are particularly fond of.  These small birds will also eat seeds and berries and are widespread across the British Isles, in woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens.  In winter Britain’s resident birds are joined by shyer, paler northern European migrants.  

Robins pair up from late December to early March and often nest in unusual places such as plant pots, vehicles and watering cans.  Juvenile birds have the trademark robin shape and size, but for their first season they have a speckled brown breast.  In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times newspaper, the robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK.