The Robin - a faithful winter visitor

Abstract

Every year October heralds the arrival of the Robin to Malta's shores, and before the end of the month every corner of the Maltese countryside is occupied by this handsome and popular bird. Its orange-red breast and its territorial behaviour have always captured man's imagination and various legends and allusions surround this amiable species. The Robin (scientifically Erithacus rubecula) is popularly known in Malta as IL-PITIRROSS, which has been derived from its Italian name Pettirosso, obviously referring to its 'red breast'. In fact all its different foreign names refer to this striking characteristic. It has a plump appearance, as if it is 'neckless' , and is only 14 em in length. Apart from its rich orange breast and forehead, it has a uniform olive brown upperparts. It is also known for its pleasant warbling song and a variety of calls. Its food consists of insects, worms, spiders and all so vegetable matter, such as berries and fruit.