European Robin Nesting (Complete Guide)

The European robin, also commonly known as the red-breasted robin, is one of the most common garden birds in the UK and is known for its often eccentric choice of nesting sites, making clever use of any discarded tools, outdoor machinery, or even It is discarded footwear.

But beyond these more unusual nesting sites, what kind of natural nests do robins build, and how many broods do they raise each year?

Read on to learn more about the nesting and breeding habits of Britain’s much-loved red-breasted garden visitors.

Where do robins nest?

Typically, robins nest in low spaces such as bushes, hedges and tree holes. Due to the adaptability of robins, the location of the nest varies widely, but is usually below 5 meters from the ground.

Robins have incredibly diverse and adaptable nesting habits, and can use even the most unlikely of objects as a basis for raising their young.

From naturally camouflaging sites to hide from predators deep in garden bushes, to upgrading outdoor equipment like watering cans and planters into nest foundations, robins are versatile and resourceful birds when it comes to nest building.

Once the robins have found a suitable site to their satisfaction, away from disturbance, direct sunlight and extreme weather, the nesting can begin.

If, during construction, the selected site was not as secluded as originally envisaged, it was abandoned and a different, more secure site was chosen.

Robin Redbreast’s Lair

What does a robin’s nest look like?

A robin’s nest consists of a rough outer structure of twigs, moss, and dead leaves. The cup-shaped interior of the nest is lined with softer materials, including hairs, tiny plant roots, and down.

Robins can also use open-fronted nest boxes, and occasionally very unconventional items such as discarded shoes or boots, hanging baskets, and even the inside of an abandoned vehicle’s engine can also be used as nests.

What time of year do robins nest?

Robins start nesting in March and then lay their first clutches in early spring, usually from early April. Nesting continues until mid-June, and can even extend into July or later if a third—or, in rare cases, even a fourth—is rearing.

robin sitting on the nest

How long do robins build nests?

After construction is complete, the female robins lay a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs, usually a new egg each morning. Incubation is the sole responsibility of the female, with the male bringing food.

The eggs can hatch after 12 to 21 days, although the typical incubation period is about 14 days. Once the eggs hatch, the female removes the shells from inside the nest. Both parents actively feed the pups and keep them warm and protected.

Although they are born without feathers, robin chicks develop setae within the first three days, and rows of feathers develop shortly thereafter. By 10 days, young robins are fully feathered and ready for feathering by 14 days.

How Do Robins Build Nests?

The female robin will choose a safe and reasonably inconspicuous site and build a thick cup-shaped nest, usually fairly low to the ground.

While busy building, the male remains around, providing the female with food and nesting material, but does not play an active role in the actual building process.

Create a circular nest of grass and twigs on a base of moss or dry leaves, then line with hair or thin plant roots.

The entire nesting process usually takes 4-6 days.

Robin gathering moss for nest

When do baby robins leave the nest?

Robin chicks develop their wings at about 13 to 14 days, but continue to be cared for by their parents for 16 to 24 days after leaving the nest.

Once on the ground, it is usually the male robins who provide the most support to the chicks, as the females are busy preparing the next batch of eggs.

How many nests do robins have?

It is not uncommon for a pair of European robins to have two litters a year, and it is not unheard of to have three or even four litters a year. Once a chick leaves the nest and is on the ground in the care of a male robin, the female robin may already be busy hatching her next batch of eggs.

A European robin collects fur as nesting material

Do robins nest in the same place every year?

European robins may revisit the same general location when nesting, but rather than laying a second clutch of eggs in an old nest, they are more likely to repurpose a previously used nest by building on it or using nest material .

What do robin eggs look like?

Eggs of the European robin are pale white with some reddish brown spots or striped markings, giving the egg an overall pale yellow color. Robin eggs measure 20 mm x 15 mm (0.8 in x 0.6 in) and are smooth with a matte surface.

Robin’s nest with eggs

What month do robins lay eggs?

Robins can start laying eggs as early as late March, but are most common from early April.

Robins keep two clutches per year; three or even four clutches are not entirely unheard of. The last litter is reared in late June or July and can even last until early August if a rare fourth litter is born.

Do robins use nest boxes?

Robins are notorious for choosing the most unlikely objects for their nests. They may choose to use a nest box if available, but it needs to have an open front and be surrounded by natural shelter and dense vegetation such as ivy or other creepers.

For maximum robin attraction, nest boxes should be placed out of direct sunlight, up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) off the ground, facing north or northeast, away from westerly winds.

In addition to suitable wide-fronted nest boxes, robins will nest in old Wellington boots, watering cans, watering cans and flower pots, and even in disused barbecues.

Robin feeds the chicks some food

Where do robins nest at night?

Garden birds tend not to sleep in their nests at night unless they are brooding eggs or caring for chicks. The European robin is no exception.

Mockingbirds are diurnal birds and are inactive at night. They rest for 6 to 7 hours a night, roosting in tree branches, bushes and other sheltered places such as windowsills, away from predators and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Are robins nesting in the garden?

European robins are one of the most common garden birds in the UK, so it’s no surprise they may choose to nest in gardens, but only if there is adequate shelter and protection from predators and others. Welcome distractions.

Although robins are accustomed to the company of humans and are frequent visitors to gardens, they require a quiet, undisturbed nesting site protected by dense shrubs or other dense foliage in order to consider building their nests. in places close to human habitation.

Preferred nesting sites are away from distractions from artificial light sources, such as the illumination of car headlights or garden security lights.

Close up of perched robin

Do robins abandon their nests?

Although they are generally considered friendly birds that get along well with nearby human companions, robins can be particularly sensitive and easily startled when nesting.

If they are disturbed before laying eggs, robins will leave the nest and seek new, more secluded spots. Even in the early stages of spawning, if a female robin feels seriously threatened, she may decide to abandon her unhatched eggs.

It’s worth noting that a nest that appears to be abandoned may not actually be abandoned by a female robin.

Brooding does not start until after the last clutch has been laid, and as laying takes several days, a female robin may leave an incomplete clutch unattended while foraging for food, then return to continue at a later stage spawning.

Robin Nest FAQs

Do robins sleep in their nests?

Robins sleep in the nest at night only if there are chicks or eggs inside, otherwise, they tend to sleep in nooks and crannies, bushes and low-hanging branches.

Do robins leave their eggs unattended?

In general, female robins are usually no more than 5 to 10 minutes away from their eggs during incubation. Male robins are responsible for feeding the females during this time, so they have little reason to leave the nest.