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Is it a Robin?

staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230
in Wildlife gardening

I have a small bird visiting the feeder with the sunflower hearts. It is just like the robin (who also likes the sunflower hearts). It is just like the robin the way it twitches and bobs and is the same shade of brown and size as a robin but has no sign of any red feathers. Is it a robin?  What else could it be?  I see it regularly. Many thanks, Mags

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    My guess is that it's a dunnock aka hedge sparrow - have a look at the video on here http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/d/dunnock/index.aspx


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230

    Thanks very much Dovefromabove.  That's what it is.   I thought Dunnocks are ground feeders only so I am wrong    about that!  Best wishes of the Season, Mags

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    Well they do tend to feed on the ground, but they are passerines (perching birds) and I've seen them venture onto feeders if they feel confident that they're safe and there's cover nearby. 

    Lovely little things aren't they?

    Seasons Greetings to you too image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,502

    Maybe it's a juvenile robin

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140
    B3 wrote (see)

    Maybe it's a juvenile robin

    Juvenile robins acquire a red breast at the first moult, which is roughly 10 weeks after fledging. - even in a late brood that wouldn't be after October.

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • B3B3 Posts: 27,502

    I stand corrected, Dove.  I'm a bird noticer rather than a birdwatcherimage

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    Oooh you make me sound a bit fierce - don't mean to be image

    Earlier in the year it might well have been a juvenile robin, if it had a speckly breast and dark legs image

     


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    I have, or thought I have, several Dunnocks visiting but now I'm going to have to check to see if they have pink legs! Thanks for the info ????????????????????????
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718

    Just another thought, do you have black redstarts in your area Mags? It could be a female, they are brown and bob about. 

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,502

    Oooh I didn't mean to make you think you'd made me feel you were a bit fierce.

    image

    In London. Keen but lazy.
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