Robins in Scotland
When the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) is present in Scotland, when it nests, and which native Scotland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Scotland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–July
- Size
- 14 cm, 16–22 g
- Nest box
- Open-fronted box, 1–2 m high, well hidden in climbers
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect robins in Scotland
The Robin lives in Scotland all year round. Short days and regular snow inland; Scandinavian Bramblings, Fieldfares and Waxwings often arrive in numbers.
Cool maritime in the west, more continental and drier in the east; the Highlands are markedly colder.
Nesting in Scotland
In Scotland the Robin usually nests April–July. Nest site: cup in a hollow, ivy or open-fronted box, usually low down. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 13–14 days; chicks fledge after 13–14 days, and pairs raise 2–3 per year.
- Nest box: Open-fronted box, 1–2 m high, well hidden in climbers. Put boxes up by February and clean them out between September and January.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Scotland plants for robins
Of the native plants we track for Scotland, these 8 provide food the Robin uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Worms, beetles and other invertebrates; berries and seed in winter.
- Best foods: Mealworms, Suet pellets, Sunflower hearts, Grated cheese.
- Feeders: Ground tray, Open table.
- Robins are fiercely territorial; a second feeding spot out of sight of the first reduces fights.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are robins in Scotland all year?
Yes — the Robin is resident in Scotland all year.
When do robins nest in Scotland?
Typically April–July. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 13–14 days, with 2–3 per year.
Which native plants help robins in Scotland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Scotland and provide food or cover the Robin uses.
What nest box does the Robin use?
Open-fronted box, 1–2 m high, well hidden in climbers.
Robins in other countries
Other garden birds in Scotland
Sources
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.