ROBIN

5th December 2023

Photo credit: Andyworks, Getty Images Signature, via CANVA

Marry, by these special marks: first, you have learned, like Sir Proteus, to wreath your arms like a malcontent; to relish a love song like a robin redbreast; to walk alone like one that had the pestilence; to sigh like a schoolboy that had lost his ABC; to weep like a young wench that had buried her grandam; to fast like one that takes diet; to watch like one that fears robbing; to speak puling like a beggar at Hallowmas.

SPEED: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 2, Scene 1

ROBIN/RUDDOCK (Erithacus rubecula)

Robins are one of the most popular birds in Britain and unmissable in both the city and countryside with their bright red breast. In 2015 the Robin was voted Britain’s National Bird in an online poll organised by David Lindo.

European Robins are both resident and migratory in Britain and the males and females are identical in appearance. They are well known for defending their territories but also for their songs.

Shakespeare includes a reference to the song of the Robin in connection with being love sick, and he also uses the older name of the bird, the Ruddock, in the play Cymbeline. Robin is also included as a personal name, short for Robert, in several plays.

More Information

British Trust for Ornithology: Robin

Guardian Newspaper: Karl Mathiesen June 10, 2015

RSPB: Robin