Skip to main content
Global Animal Guide

European Robin: Key Facts

European robin with a bright orange-red breast perched on a frosty twig in winter

Quick answer

European Robins (Erithacus rubecula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. Britain's beloved red-breasted garden bird. Adults typically weigh 16–22 g (0.6–0.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 2 years average (up to 8). They feed on omnivore (insects, worms, seeds, berries) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodland, gardens, and parks across Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia; resident throughout the UK year-round.

By , Founder Last reviewed Cite this page How we research & review

Key takeaway

European Robins (Erithacus rubecula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. Britain's beloved red-breasted garden bird. Adults typically weigh 16–22 g (0.6–0.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 2 years average (up to 8). They feed on omnivore (insects, worms, seeds, berries) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodland, gardens, and parks across Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia; resident throughout the UK year-round.

European Robin overview

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) is an bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 16–22 g (0.6–0.8 oz); lifespan around About 2 years average (up to 8).

European Robin ecology

Diet: Omnivore (insects, worms, seeds, berries). Habitat: Woodland, gardens, parks, hedgerows. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

European Robins and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild european robins are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full European Robin profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

European Robins inhabit Woodland, gardens, and parks across Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia; resident throughout the UK year-round. Their preferred habitat includes woodland, gardens, parks, hedgerows, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-t

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult european robins typically measure about 0.14 m in length and weigh 16–22 g (0.6–0.8 oz). They can sprint at up to 30 km/h (19 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. European Robins are known for britain's beloved red-breasted garden bird — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

European Robin FAQs

What are key facts about european robins?

European Robins (Erithacus rubecula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. Britain's beloved red-breasted garden bird. Adults typically weigh 16–22 g (0.6–0.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 2 years average (up to 8). They feed on omnivore (insects, worms, seeds, berries) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodland, gardens, and parks across Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia; resident throughout the UK year-round.

What is the scientific name of the european robin?

Erithacus rubecula — used in research and conservation listings for european robins.

What do european robins eat?

European Robins eat insects, worms, seeds and berries, with seasonal and regional variation in Woodland, gardens, parks, hedgerows.

Where do european robins live?

They are associated with Woodland, gardens, parks, hedgerows. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of european robins?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

← Back to European Robin guide