European Robin vs Great Shortwing
Erithacus rubecula compared with Heinrichia calligyna
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Robin | Great Shortwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erithacus rubecula | Heinrichia calligyna |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae | Muscicapidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 14.0 cm (5.5 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) | 17.2 cm (6.8 in) |
| Weight | 18.0 g (0.63 oz) | 26.8 g (0.95 oz) |
| Diet | Insects, worms, and berries. Often follows gardeners and large animals to catch invertebrates disturbed from … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 4-7 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
European Robin
Woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens across Europe. Remarkably tame around humans, especially in Britain.
Song & Call Comparison
European Robin
Exquisite, melancholic melody of thin whistled phrases, rising and falling softly. Rich, warbling song year-round; both sexes sing. Alarm call is a sharp 'tic-tic-tic'.
Great Shortwing
Geographic Range & Migration
European Robin
Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. Northern populations migrate south in winter; western European populations are largely resident.
Great Shortwing
Conservation Status
European Robin
Great Shortwing
How to Tell Them Apart
European Robin
Olive-brown upperparts with a warm orange-red breast and face bordered by grey. White belly and undertail coverts.
Thin, pointed dark brown bill
Great Shortwing
About These Birds
European Robin
The European robin is one of the most beloved birds in Britain, where it is the unofficial national bird. Despite its friendly demeanor toward humans, robins are fiercely territorial against their own kind, singing year-round to defend territory. Their distinctive song is one of the first to be heard at dawn.