According to the traditional Christmas carol, it might be the season of ‘peace on earth and good will to men’, but one of our seasonal icons seems not to have got the message – at least when it comes to their own kind.
Whilst the robin, undoubtedly Britain’s favourite bird, and a mainstay of seasonal imagery – featured on everything from cards and wrapping paper to the ubiquitous Christmas jumper – is associated with what most of us see a time for sharing and a touch of sentimentality, robins are in the mood for anything but sharing.
Despite being one of the few birds to delight us with birdsong all year round, their sweet song belies a temperament that’s not entirely compatible with their seasonal association.
Whilst at their most territorial in spring when seeking to hold on to a breeding territory, the fact that they mainly eat insects means that hanging on to their territory is still very important in winter too to give them the best access to food when it is in short supply. As well as seeing off other robins, they will also attack other small birds such as dunnocks and tits. Such is their level of aggression and determination to defend their patch at all costs, they have even been observed attacking their own reflection.
Many birds are territorial, but few are as stubborn as the robin – and territorial disputes, which might start with competitive singing and robust posturing, can result in prolonged fights to the death, with as many as one in ten robins meeting their demise this way – not very Christmassy at all.
As well as being fiercely territorial, most robins rarely move more than 5km and at this time of year they are regularly depicted surrounded by snow. However, a proportion of our resident robins, mainly females, head over the channel to catch some winter sun – heading as far south as Spain and Portugal. As a result, far from being the regular home bird you’ve seen hopping around the garden all summer searching for worms, the robins that brighten your day in winter could well be migrants from Scandinavia, Europe or Russia – seeking refuge from the harsher winters there.
Given the challenge of finding food in winter and the fact that most robins fail to make it through their first year, it is perhaps unsurprising that they are so territorial. So, during the season of goodwill, spare a thought for our red breasted friends. Whilst largely insectivorous, they will take seeds and other foodstuffs we put out for them. Fruit such as bruised apples and raisins will be appreciated as well as energy packed treats such as sunflower hearts and crushed peanuts and suet. You could even make your own version of a robin energy bar by mixing some of these dry ingredients with some melted suet to bind them together.
Whilst robins will come to bird tables, they are naturally ground feeders and may be more comfortable using a ground feeding tray – which helps keep food off the ground. If you’re keen to help robins and other birds this winter – but can’t think what to ask Santa for – why not put a range of robin treats on your list ready for Santa and Rudolph to deliver when they pass through? Hopefully that way, your local robin won’t take umbrage at the incursion into their airspace!
Image: Robin, Kevin Gray