If you’ve ever wandered through a quiet garden or woodland at dusk and caught sight of a European robin (Erithacus rubecula) fluttering into a dense shrub, you might be witnessing the little bird settling down for the night. Thanks to a recent study by the University of Gloucestershire, we now have fresh insights into how these charismatic songbirds choose their nightly roosts — and it turns out they have surprisingly consistent habits.
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Staying Low & Close to Home
The study observed that European robins rarely roost more than four metres above the ground. This might seem low for a bird known for its agility and flight skills, but there’s a practical reason behind this choice. Roosting lower helps robins avoid predators like owls and hawks, which often hunt from higher vantage points.
But even more interesting is how loyal these birds are to their sleeping spots. The researchers found that robins tend to roost within just eight metres of their previous night’s location. This consistency suggests that once a robin finds a safe and comfortable place, it will return night after night — a behaviour that helps reduce the risks of predation and energy expenditure during colder months.
A Preference for Laurel Trees
Another striking finding from the study is the robin’s preference for laurel trees over other vegetation. Laurels, with their dense, evergreen foliage, offer ideal shelter from wind, rain, and curious predators. Their broad leaves and thick structure likely provide warmth and camouflage — two key ingredients for a restful night.
This discovery could have practical implications for gardeners and conservationists. By planting more laurels or maintaining existing ones, especially in urban and suburban green spaces, we can help support robin populations year-round.
A Closer Look at a Familiar Bird
Robins are one of the most recognisable birds in Europe, often associated with winter scenes and Christmas cards. But despite their familiarity, we’re still uncovering the subtle details of their behaviour and needs. The University of Gloucestershire’s research not only enriches our understanding of robin ecology but also highlights the importance of detailed, on-the-ground observation in bird conservation.
As we continue to reshape natural habitats, even small insights like these can make a big difference in how we coexist with wildlife. So next time you hear a robin’s evening call, know that it’s likely not far from home — nestled in a laurel, just a few metres above the earth.
Read more:
- A Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Tree Drawing for Beginners
- Sketching Quick Bare Trees: A Quiet Winter Ritual
- The Beginner’s Guide to Nature Journalling
- Meet the European Robin: A Fact-Packed Guide to This Beloved Bird (With A Free Watercolour Illustration)
- From Birds to Pages: How My Birding Journal Tells a Story (With Examples & Free Printable Colouring Page)
- Tea with a Robin: Notes from the Garden Fence
- The Sleeping Habits Of A Robin: How Many Hours Do Robins Sleep For (With A Free Sleep Log Template)
- Robins & Their Favourite Foods: From Worms 🪱 to Berries 🫐 (With Free Printable Hand-Illustrated Art)
- Where Do Robin Fledglings Go When They Leave the Nest? 🪹
- How Robins Choose Their Sleep Spots: Insights Into Their Night-time Behaviour 🌜
- Are You Seeing a Male or Female Robin? Here’s How to Tell
- The Robin’s Song 🎵
