Robin Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula)

The unofficial national bird of the UK

Hello lovely subscriber. Today’s subject has partly been inspired by the season, and partly by my current fascination with drawing and painting birds (when I’m not painting doggos that is).

Whenever the UK is asked to vote for their favourite bird there is always one clear winner. In 1960 and again in 2015, it was the Robin, the European version not the North American one which belongs to the thrush family and is a completely different bird.

Despite the UK government’s disinterest in making it official, most people would accept the robin as our national bird. Although in lists Scotland appears to be given its own identity outside of the UK, choosing the Golden Eagle. So maybe we should refer to the robin as the unofficial national bird of England and Wales.

This feisty character is a year-round visitor to our gardens, as well as an inhabitant of our countryside. Undeniably cute they are well known for their boldness around humans, often perching on fingertips and keeping us company while we potter outdoors. But there is a reason why we make friends with only one at a time.