National Robin Day

Today, 21 December, is National Robin Day 2025. Launched in 2016 by the charity SongBird Survival, the aim of National Robin Day is to raise awareness of robins and other small birds which may need extra support during the winter.

Name

The robin was first named in the 15th century. At this time, the colour orange did not exist in its own right. In fact it was not until the early 16th century when the fruit became a popular import to the UK that the word orange entered language to mean colour. Before then, anything which we might call orange today was referred to as red or yellow-red. The orange-breasted robin was initially named redbreast. At this time, common practice was to give human names to familiar animals, and robins became known as Robert Redbreasts. This was later shortened to ‘Robin’.

Songbirds

Robins and other songbirds have an essential role in the ecosystem. They also play an important role in improving mental health. Birdsong has been linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and physiological stress. A 2023 poll by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reported that 91% of adults felt that seeing birds and hearing birdsong positively impacted their mental health.

The role that songbirds play in the ecosystem can offer important insight into environmental changes. Over recent years, scientists have observed alterations to birds’ migratory patterns as they respond to climate change. Some birds arrive earlier and leave later in the year. Others such as chiffchaff and blackcap sometimes overwinter in the UK rather than migrating to Southern Europe or Africa. This extra demand on resources can strain the system as greater numbers compete for food and shelter.

Winter Help

More birds compete for less food over the winter. Insects, seeds, and fruit are scarce. Birds need a high calorific intake to fuel them, especially in colder weather. A robin, for example, can lose 9% of their body weight during a single night if temperatures reach -2°C.

Putting food out is an obvious way to help. High protein mixes, fat balls and suet blocks are all good sources of energy. A single premium fat ball contains enough calories to keep 17 robins fuelled for a day. Birds also enjoy treats such as Christmas cake and fresh fruit. A couple of feeds a day are recommended by animal welfare organisations such as SongBird Survival – morning to help birds prepare for the day, and before dusk so they can stock up for overnight.

Although it seems to rain consistently over the UK winter, fresh water is still essential for garden birds. A small ball such as ping pong ball in the dish helps stop the supply freezing over if temperatures drop.

Leaving parts of garden spaces slightly wild helps create shelter over the winter. Piles of cuttings can be built up to offer a windbreak, and bird boxes may be used as overnight accommodation. Groups of small birds are known to use bird boxes for shelter, huddling together to keep warm.

Fascinating Facts

The specific pattern of the orange-red feathers is unique to each individual robin, in a similar way to human fingerprints. The pattern is formed by tiny blood vessels just below the skin’s surface.

Although robins look sweet, they are fiercely territorial. Estimates suggest that as many as 10% of fatalities result from male robins fighting over ‘their patch’.

Robins have long been associated with folklore. In Norse mythology, robins offered protection from storms and lightning. In Celtic folklore, the robin was the symbol of the Oak King of Summer. It represented growth, light, and celebration of the year. A common saying ‘when robins appear, loved ones are near’ comes from the belief that robins are messengers, bringing word that loved ones are at peace. A robin appeared during Queen Mary II’s funeral in 1695, and stayed in and around Westminster Abbey, often perched on the top pinnacle of Mary’s mausoleum, singing softly. It was named the ‘Westminster Wonder’ in acknowledgement of its seeming devotion to and celebration of the departed queen.

I’ll finish with a quote from C. S. Lewis’s book ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, when a robin leads the Pevensie children to safety:

“a robin, you know. They’re good birds in all the stories I’ve ever read. I’m sure a robin wouldn’t be on the wrong side.” Peter Pevensie.