Robins have been man's companions when tilling the soil for centuries, perched on their spindly legs, head cocked to one side, watching with their bright, round eyes. The Anglo-Saxons knew our familiar Robin Redbreast as "Rudduc" from the colour of its breast, and it was not until 1549 that "Robin" was recorded as a bird name, gradually replacing over the centuries both "Ruddock" and "Redbreast".A diminutive of Robert, it seems to be a personalised bird name given to our favourite British feathered friend. Europeans are not so well-intentioned towards Robins with the result that its continental cousins are much shyer.The orange-red breast colour is actually a badge of warning to other Robins to keep away. They are very territorial and are one of the few birds that sing throughout the autumn and winter, declaring their ownership of a particular patch of land.
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