European Robin: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Garden Birds · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. A robin's magnetic compass relies on its vision. Light entering the eye triggers a quantum effect in a protein called cryptochrome.
2. Scandinavian and Russian robins fly south to Britain and western Europe, while Irish and British robins mostly stay put.
3. A robin's average lifespan is just 1.1 years, yet one individual was recorded at 19 years.
4. Robins on Gran Canaria evolved wings roughly 10 % shorter than their cousins on Tenerife.
5. A robin is tiny: 12.5-14.0 cm long and weighing only 16-22 g, with a 20-22 cm wingspan.

The quiz

1. What does a robin's magnetic compass rely on?

• Its hearing
• Its vision (correct)
• Its sense of smell
• Its whiskers

The robin's compass relies on light-dependent vision.

2. Where do Scandinavian and Russian robins fly in winter?

• North to the Arctic
• East to Asia
• They stay where they are
• South to Britain and western Europe (correct)

Scandinavian and Russian robins fly south to Britain and western Europe.

3. How long does a robin live on average?

• 1.1 years (correct)
• 5 years
• 10 years
• 19 years

The average lifespan is just 1.1 years, though one lived 19 years.

4. How do Gran Canaria robins differ from Tenerife robins?

• Their wings are roughly 10 % longer
• They are twice as heavy
• Their wings are roughly 10 % shorter (correct)
• They have no red breast

Gran Canaria robins evolved wings roughly 10 % shorter.

5. How much does a robin weigh?

• 160-220 g
• 16-22 g (correct)
• 1.6-2.2 kg
• 60-90 g

A robin weighs only 16-22 g.

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