Fledgling

Here's a fledged robin (Erithacus rubecula) in the garden. Note the primary and secondary feathers and the fluffy look — no sign of the red breast yet. The gestation period of robins is a fortnight. It has been fed in the nest by both parents for a week. After fledging it is fed by the father while the mother starts another brood.

The overall survival rate of robins born in April is 53 per cent. If this little fellow survives, he will become independent after 16-24 days. Robins eat insects, seeds and fruit. As insectivores they help to prevent overpopulation of insects. As seed and fruit eaters, they help to spread plants when the seeds are dispersed in their droppings.

Robins have learnt to be relatively tame in gardens. Sometimes they will even learn to trust a person enough to feed from the hand. They are often the earliest voices in the dawn chorus.