Hello Morse,
From your description, there could be a variety of possibilities here; 1) A dunnock. Robin-sized birds, dunnocks have slate grey heads and pink legs (see link) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/d/dunnock/index.aspx or:
2) a melanistic Robin (a robin with unusual plumage colouring) (see link) http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/identify/abnormal/melanism.asp or:
3) an overwintering Black Redstart (a robin-like bird, grey in colour. A handful of these birds do over winter in the UK. (see link) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/blackredstart/index.aspx I wonder, did you manage to get a photo?
Hello morse
Sorry can't answer your question on your description but just wanted to say hello and welcome. Mrs T obviously has an idea though. Would be better with a photo if you have one, as it makes it alot easier for everyone to help you out with their answers.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
This may or may not help.
I had this photo on my files for two years. I had labelled it 'Female robin?'.
Someone identified it for me as a black redstart. Look familiar?
An egret changed my life!
Hi Billy and welcome
Mrs T gsve some great indicators as to the ID to the bird {smile}
It looks like a Black Redstart to me - colouring is wrong for a Robin
Kathy and Dave
Yep sure looks like a black redstart to me to! im thinking its probably a female. certainly a good tick if you keep a garden list! nice picture to. you could submit this report to the British Trust of Ornithology and contribute to the ongoing Bird Atlas of the UK and Ireland. http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/
Best wishes
Lloyd