European Robin
Learn to identify the European Robin by ear. Master the "a bright, thin whistle" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the European Robin sounds like
Rich, melodious series of clear, fluting phrases that rise and fall, delivered from prominent perches dawn to dusk, even through winter.
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the European Robin
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the European Robin's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.
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Where you'll hear it
Largely resident across the British Isles, western and southern Europe. Northern and eastern populations undertake short-distance migration to Mediterranean basin and North Africa in winter.
Deciduous and mixed woodland with dense understorey, forest edges, hedgerows, scrub, parks and suburban gardens; often near leaf litter or low vegetation where prey is abundant.
Defends territories year-round; breeds from late March/April to July with 2–3 broods typical. Undergoes a complete post-breeding moult in late summer; juveniles acquire orange breast during first autumn.
How to recognize it by sight
The European Robin is a small, plump passerine famous for its warm orange-red face and breast, offset by olive-brown upperparts and a whitish belly. Confiding and often curious around people, it is a familiar sight in gardens, parks, woodlands and hedgerows throughout Europe and parts of western Asia and North Africa.
Similar species
Common Redstart
Redstart has black face with white forehead in males, distinctive orange tail constantly quivering.
Nightingale
Uniform warm brown above with no red breast.
Alpine Accentor
Grey head with chestnut flanks and streaked underparts; lacks red face.