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The robin is one of the best loved of our garden birds. Once almost exclusively associated with Christmas cards and picturesque scenes, is now almost ubiquitous all year round.

It was officially adopted as Britain's National Bird in 1960, helped by its fearless approach to humans and the fact that both males and females have the same, instantly-recognisable plumage.

Robins are very photogenic and easy to photograph making them a firm favourite among camera enthusiasts and it's not uncommon for them to feed from the hand if food is held out, especially during the winter months when food is scarce.

The birds are highly territorial and aggressive, so it's no surprise that although 79 % of gardens have them, there are only 1.26 birds per garden. It does, however, counteract that aggression with almost year-round singing, especially in winter.