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Birds

Birds

Common name European robin
Scientific name Erithacus rubecula
Type Forest birds
Status Resident

Small bird (about 16 cm or 6.5 in) of greyish brown or greenish brown plumage on the back; ventral zone of lighter colour and characteristic red or orange spot on the face, throat and breast. The spot is bordered by a greyish line. The European Robin has a plump appearance, especially in winter, because it hollows the wings and usually shrinks.

Habitats

Woodland environment

Where it lives

Woodland and scrubland bird. Forests with abundant undergrowth and understory, riverbanks and groves, parks and gardens and urban environments.

How it lives

Sedentary species and resident in the province all year round. However, in winter the province hosts wintering robins from the north. It breeds between March and May. Nest in thickets, near the ground. Two annual layings of 5 to 7 eggs. Insectivorous food supplemented with berries, seeds and fruits such as acorns.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Frequent and common species that can be watched in almost all the Great Path.

Curious facts

Robins are birds that are usually hidden in the undergrowth and in the bush from where they go to look for food on the ground. That is when they let themselves be seen and are more confident. In Malaga the robins are known as "buchitos" or "pecherines", among other names that always refer to the colour of their breast ("pecho" or in a more popular usage "buche" are Spanish words for "breast"). Legend has it that this colour is because they were stained with the blood of Christ when he was on the cross, either because they came to sing in his ear or because they tried to remove the nails with which he was tied. In English culture robins are identified with Christmas postcards because their colour was the same as that of the jackets worn by the postmen, who were also known as "robins".

Routes where it can be observed
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios