Do Robins Mate For Life? (In the UK)

Robin (Red Spot Mackerel) is one of the most prominent and best-loved birds in English gardens. They are very territorial, especially during the breeding season.

Even during breeding season, it is relatively rare to spot more than one robin at the same time; this is because they both play an important role in raising young. So what happens after raising chickens? Do robins mate for life?

Robins are monogamous during the breeding season, but usually do not mate for life. However, if a successful brood is raised, the robin will occasionally return to raise subsequent broods in the same territory the next year.

Robins can have up to three, and in some cases four, per year, which means that while breeding pairs don’t usually mate for life, they still spend most of the year together — In some cases this may be more than half a year (January to late July).

Robins are monogamous during the breeding season but generally do not mate for life

After the breeding season is over and the chicks have left the nest, breeding pairs usually go their separate ways and establish their own territories for the rest of the year.

Occasionally, male and female robins eventually return to the same territory to jointly raise another brood; this is mostly the case after a successful nesting season.

Not sure if this is a choice of male selection method or a coincidence, as it could also come down to overlapping territories.

Read on to learn how robins attract a mate, as well as some other frequently asked questions about their breeding behavior.

European robins are usually solitary birds and are found alone

How do robins attract mates?

Male robins sing loudly in an attempt to attract females into their territory. Being loud and single not only attracts women, but also shows that they are healthy and energetic. The bright colors on the robin’s chest make him stand out, while also highlighting his fitness.

A female robin enters a male robin’s established territory in an attempt to form a breeding pair. This process can take several days, as male robins are less welcoming to other robins in their territory.

This can also cause some commotion, as male robins are usually highly protective of their territories once established, meaning that it takes him a few days to develop a fondness for her before finally accepting her into his territory .

The robin song is not only a wonderful sound to fill the garden, it has many different uses

In the UK, courtship displays and matchmaking usually begin in January. However, this can be a little later in the year whenever winter is severe.

Since robins are usually resident and usually do not stray too far from their territory, pair formation is often with nearby males. A female may have a strong tendency to mate with a male she previously lived in a familiar area.

If their two territories overlap, this can have the added benefit of increasing the overall size of the territory, allowing more room for foraging and nesting site selection.

The male robin will continue to sing to claim ownership of the garden or area in which he is raising his young.

courtship feeding

European robins participate in an event called “court feeding.” Female robins request food from male robins through monosyllabic calls, accompanied by lowering and flapping of the wings.

This behavior is very similar to that of a young robin when it begs for food from one of its parents.

During the incubation period, the research showed a correlation between more “touch” calls and larger clutch sizes.

Courtship feeding, where the male feeds the female.In a robin, courtship feeding begins a few days before she lays her first egg and continues until the hatching stage

How many times do robins breed a year?

Generally, robins produce two litters a year. Three litters are not uncommon, and in some cases, even four.

When three or four litters are kept, this can lead to a very long breeding season, extending into late July in some cases.

In these cases, the survival rate of the chicks dropped dramatically, with only about 57 percent of the chicks succeeding.

Once the chicks have feathered, the male robin takes care of the chicks, allowing the female to try and prepare herself to attempt another brood.

Robin collecting nesting material

What happens when a robin loses its mate?

Unfortunately, European robins are quick to replace their mates when the mate dies. Surviving birds will attempt to re-pair as soon as possible to raise another bird.

Both males and females play important roles and are critical to chick survival. For example, the male provides a large amount of food to the female and chicks during the nesting process.

Robins will try to change mates as soon as possible after losing them

Are the Robbins family together?

After the breeding season is over, the robins go their separate ways. This is after the chicks are fully grown and able to take care of themselves.

The rest of the year, robins are usually happy alone and generally will not tolerate any other robins – male or female – in the vicinity. However, they tend not to pay much attention to the different birds.