The Robin is a beloved favourite in the UK, well-known for its striking redbreast, cheerful song and tame nature. Robins can be seen all year round in parks, woodland, hedgerows and if you are lucky your garden and allotments. Many keen gardeners know, that Robins love to watch while you dig and potter about in the garden, waiting for that right moment to catch a worm or insect that you have just unearthed. No wonder they are widely considered Britain’s favourite bird.
Despite their cute appearance, they are an aggressively territorial bird species and are quick to drive away intruders. Often engaging in fights to defend their space. Both the male and female Robins have a striking redbreast and both sexes will hold their territories, which they will defend against all-odds.
Robins are also a well-known symbol of the festive season, and their presence can instantly bring about a sense of cheer and they are a welcome sight during the dark winter months. However, attracting these small beautiful birds to your garden doesn’t have to be left to luck. We can recommend some helpful tips to encourage more frequent visits from this friendly small red-breasted bird.
What food source can I offer?
Robins rarely live longer than two years, unfortunately, most falling victim to predators or failing to adapt to the challenges of finding food and shelter on their own. Small birds must eat between one-quarter and one-third of their body weight every single day, just to survive. By consistently offering the right food sources, especially during winter we can help this beautiful bird survive, so they can breed the next generation of young chicks and increase their population.
A Robin’s diets mainly consists of insects and worms, which are rich sources of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients that sustains them through winter. They particularly enjoy dried or fresh mealworms, scattered on a ground feeder or a bird table. You could give your red-breasted friend a helping hand by soaking dried mealworms in water, giving them some valuable moisture from the food, which will be a welcome treat.
Robins are fairly broadminded in their choice of food. They love sunflower hearts which have a high energy content. We would recommend using sunflower hearts that already have the husks removed so that birds can eat them with ease. They also enjoy fat balls or suet treats that contain a high fat content with a blend of seeds, nuts and sometimes insects. These high fat feeds are a welcoming treat during winter to help support small wild birds with their energy levels and essential nutrients for overall health.
Tip: You could make your own Bird Seed Fat Balls and include their favourite feed of sunflower hearts and dried mealworms. Simply place them on a bird table or hang them from a tree branch to encourage frequent visits to the garden.
What type of shelter does a Robin need?
Robins are quite secretive and have been known to nest in some unusual places in gardens and houses, like hanging baskets, boots and even post boxes. In the wild, they usually nest in dense vegetation, crevices or hollow trees, but will also use open-fronted nest boxes in gardens.
Depending on the weather, robins are one of the earliest British birds to nest and can be spotted starting to gather nesting materials as early as January. If you spot robins beginning to make signs to nest by gathering leaves, twigs and moss then it is important not to disturb them so they don’t abandon the nest.
Breeding season starts in early March and during this time male robins will sing within their territories to attract a mate. They will lay eggs between mid-April and mid-August, with the chicks fledging after approximately two weeks. Robins typically produce two broods per season, each consisting of around four to six eggs.
We have some open fronted birdhouse & nest boxes which are ideal for attracting robins to the garden. These nest boxes are designed to mimic their natural nesting spots, giving them a secure place to raise their young.
Where should I place a nest box to encourage Robins?
Autumn is a good time to put up nest boxes, allowing birds to familiarise themselves with the new addition to the garden before the nesting season starts. Robins favour open-fronted nest boxes that are hidden away behind the cover of a climber or overhanging vegetation against a wall, fence or on a tree branch, so that they don’t attract the attention of cats or other predators. Ideally 1-2 metres high (1-3 feet) above ground, as they often nest close to the ground. The nest box should be placed in a north-east facing direction so that’s its sheltered from driving winds and heavy rain. Avoid sun traps, such as south-facing walls so the nest box doesn’t overheat.
Create a wild corner
Your garden will be even better for Robins if you make it a home for their natural prey. A Robin’s favourite food is insects and worms, that is why they happily sit nearby when you’re in the garden turning soil over, they know the insects and earthworms won’t be far behind.
One way to encourage insects and worms is by allowing parts of the garden to grow wild. Planting trees and adding features like a log pile or compost heap will help increase the number of insects. These will provide food for robins and a host of other wildlife.
Fresh water is also essential for wild birds, by providing a welcoming space for them to relax, drink and bathe. Particularly important during the hot summer months and winter when water sources are scarce. Bathing is especially important for wild birds in winter – it makes feathers easier to preen, keeping them waterproof and insulating.
Tip: There are also certain shrubs that you can plant in your garden – Ivy, Holly, Honeysuckle, Cotoneaster and sunflowers are great choices for either encouraging insects or providing berries & seeds for them to snack on.
Robins will return to a well-stocked feeding spot time and time again. It may take time for robins to discover your garden and feel comfortable, but with the right bird feed, shelter and a supply of water, they will eventually visit and perhaps even nest. If you would like to do more to help robins or other wild birds in your local area, take a look at our selection of wild bird care products.
