Robins Reappear in British Gardens with Growing Numbers

Robins Reappear in British Gardens

The robin redbreast is truly thriving, with its population increasing by 50% in recent decades. It is now the sixth most commonly seen bird in UK gardens.

Although often shown in snowy scenes on Christmas cards, milder winters in recent years are believed to have helped their numbers grow.

However, not all bird species are doing well. The RSPB reports that one-third of UK birds are on the ‘red list,’ meaning they are at risk.

James Heywood, from the British Trust for Ornithology, said robin numbers in the UK rose by 49% between 1967 and 2022.

“Robin numbers can vary greatly year-to-year. Small birds like robins are sensitive to cold winters, but their overall trend is positive,” he explained.

There were drops in their population after harsh winters between 2008 and 2012 and again in 2018 during the ‘Beast from the East’ cold spell.

Rural areas see bigger changes in robin populations compared to urban and suburban environments, where numbers remain steadier.

Robins Reappear

Robins in towns seem to thrive thanks to the extra warmth from buildings and infrastructure.

The RSPB reported that robins were the sixth most frequently seen garden bird in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, moving up from seventh place in past years.

Out of 9.7 million birds counted, 539,820 were robins. Only sparrows, blue tits, starlings, woodpigeons, and blackbirds were spotted more often.

RSPB spokesman Martin Fowlie said: “Robins are the UK’s favorite bird, and their bright orangey-red breast makes them easy to identify.”

Robins became linked with Christmas during Victorian times when postmen, called “robin redbreasts” due to their red uniforms, delivered holiday cards.

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