Hey Lykkers! Have you ever heard a clear, cheerful bird song early in the morning and spotted a tiny bird with a red chest nearby? That's likely a robin!
Today, let's walk into the peaceful world of this beloved bird—small in size but big in personality. Whether it's hopping in gardens or singing from treetops, the robin brings joy and warmth wherever it goes.
We can recognize a robin by its bright red or orange chest, round body, and big dark eyes. It usually measures about 12–15 cm long, with a wingspan of 20–22 cm. Its back and wings are brownish green, while the lower belly is white. The robin's slim beak is built for catching insects, and its legs are light brown and slender.
Young robins look quite different at first—they are speckled with brown spots and only grow their red chest feathers after their first molt. No wonder they're sometimes called the “red-breast” bird!
Robins are quite friendly with humans and often live near us. We'll find them in gardens, city parks, forests, woodlands, and even backyards. They feel comfortable in quiet, green spaces with plenty of ground to search for food. In Europe, they're very common garden birds and often stay year-round. Some robins live in Asia and North America as well.
In North America, the bird called “robin” is a bit bigger and belongs to a different group, but it's also known for its red chest and lovely songs.
Robins are often the first birds to sing at dawn and the last ones to stop at night. Their song is clear, sweet, and musical. Male robins sing to attract mates and to tell other birds, “This is my territory!” They can sing from rooftops, trees, or garden fences—anywhere they feel safe and noticed.
We'll usually find robins hopping on the ground looking for insects. Their diet includes earthworms, beetles, caterpillars, flies, spiders, and even small snails. Sometimes they also enjoy berries, fruits, and seeds, especially during the winter. Because they eat harmful insects, robins are considered helpful friends to gardeners and farmers.
Despite their gentle looks, robins can be quite bold and even defensive. Male robins are especially protective of their territory. They will chase away other birds if they feel threatened—even other robins! During the breeding season, we might see two robins flapping their wings and protecting the territory.
However, robins are not shy around humans. In gardens across the UK and Ireland, they often follow gardeners around, waiting for worms to appear as the soil is turned. Their fearless and curious nature makes them feel like part of the family.
Not all robins migrate. Many stay in the same area all year, especially in milder climates. But in colder regions like Scandinavia or parts of Northern Europe, robins will fly south to find food and warmth. In North America, robins from the north may travel to Mexico or the southern U.S. during winter.
Their spring migration is a breathtaking sight. Huge groups of robins—sometimes billions—travel across rivers and mountains. When they return north, their song is one of the first signs that spring is near.
Robins appear in poems, children's books, and even holiday cards. Their bright chest, cheerful voice, and brave heart make them symbols of happiness and new beginnings. They are easy to spot and often live close to us, bringing nature right to our windows.
In some cultures, robins are even seen as messengers of good luck or loved ones visiting from the past. Whatever the reason, they're birds that warm our hearts.
Lykkers, now that we've discovered the robin's colorful feathers, loyal spirit, and lovely habits, don't we feel closer to nature already? Next time we're in the garden or taking a walk, let's keep an eye out for this small but mighty singer. Maybe it's already hopping nearby, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the song.
Have you ever had a robin visit your home or sing near your window? Share your story with us—we'd love to hear how these bright little birds have touched your day!