United Kingdom National Symbols: National Bird
European Robin (common name)
Erithacus rubecula (scientific name)
Designation
Official
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Muscicapidae
- Genus: Erithacus
- Species: E. rubecula
The Bird
The British subspecies of the European robin, known locally as simply the robin, is a small, plump bird that is noted for its bright orangish-red breast. This physical feature has resulted in the bird's nursery-rhyme nickname of “robin red-breast.” Males and females look the same with brown wings, a brown back, and light grayish-blue feathers below the vivid breast. As adults, the birds measure 12.5–14.0 centimeters (5.0–5.5 in) long. Female robins migrate short distances during the winter, while the males remain in the same territory.
The bird is common throughout Europe and many other regions and is known for its rich, warbling songs, which it sings even at night. Usually inhabiting low-altitude inland areas, the species consumes worms, seeds, fruit, and insects. Despite their cheery external appearance, robins are quite territorial and can be very aggressive toward each other—even, at times, fighting to the death.
The Significance
Common throughout the United Kingdom, the robin is beloved for its melodic song, which it sings year-round. It was canonized in Britain's traditional children's literature via the nursery rhyme “Little Robin Red-breast,” and thus holds a special place in many Britons’ hearts. Additionally, many Christians believe that when Jesus was dying on the cross, a robin sang to comfort him in his pain, and thereafter Christ’s blood left its mark upon the bird' chest. Strongly associated with Christmas, robins are common symbols on Christmas cards and appear on postage stamps as well. In Victorian Britain mail carriers wore red uniforms and were nicknamed “robins.” Many Britons are avid gardeners, and the robin has come to be known as the gardener's friend because it arrives to feed on worms and insects when the earth is being tilled. Scandinavian invaders once controlled areas of the United Kingdom, and it is worth noting that Norse mythology considered the robin to be a sacred harbinger of the storm clouds associated with Thor, god of thunder, rain, and farming.
Article written for World Trade Press by WTP Staff.
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