Robin - Erithacus rubecula

The UK's favourite bird - with its bright red breast it is familiar throughout the year and especially at Christmas! Males and females look identical and young birds have no red breast but are a spotted golden brown. Robins sing nearly all year round and, despite their cute appearance, they are aggressively territorial and are quick to drive away intruders. They will sing at night next to streetlights.

Across the UK in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens.

All year round

Well known to British and Irish gardeners, it is relatively unafraid of people and likes to come close when anyone is digging the soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food freshly turned up. In continental Europe on the other hand, hunting has made them more wary.

Common and widespread in Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland as a breeding bird