IMG_6895 by padraig thornton Robin Erithacus rubecula Spideog Redbreast, Ploughman's Bird, Ruddock One of Ireland's top-20 most widespread garden birds. Status: Resident Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population is regarded as Secure by Bird Life International. Identification: Probably the most familiar garden bird - the bright orange-red breast and facial area make it unmistakable. Upper parts a uniform brown, belly and lower breast grayish white. The bill is dark and pointed and the legs black. Can appear very plump and rounded, especially in cold weather when the bird fluffs out its feathers. Can be very confiding, often perching motionless close to gardening activity. Occasionally cocks tail briefly. Call: Song a wispy, relatively slow series of notes ranging up and down the scale, becoming more rapid in parts - the notes rolling into each other. Somewhat melancholy - winter song even more so. Calls include a "tick" which is sometimes repeated to sound like an old clock being wound up. Also a plaintive, barely audible "seep". Diet: Insects and some fruits, including apples. Readily comes to bird tables. Breeding: Breeds throughout Ireland in many different habitats. Nest usually well-concealed in a bank, ivy or cavity in tree or wall. Sometimes chooses unusual location such as a hat or garment hanging in garden shed. Will use open-fronted nestboxes. http://ift.tt/2uRgORG
