Anyone with robins in their gardens issued urgent warning

Gardeners are being warned not to do one thing that could scare away robins this Christmas. The UK's favourite bird is starting to make regular appearances in gardens, their bright red breast a common sight during the festive season.

A popular choice for Christmas cards, the vibrant bird is easily identifiable by its orange-red breast extending up to its neck and face. However, one winter garden alteration can disrupt their nests.

Despite being a species known for its tolerance of nest disturbance, pruning plants can significantly affect the robin's hatching space. Robins have been observed nesting in unusual places, but they are often found close to the ground, in or under bushes.

The female robin constructs a cup-shaped nest using a variety of materials from moss to grass, dead leaves and sticks. Breeding season can start as early as January for this winter bird, but it usually begins around March.

Robins start laying their eggs between mid-April and mid-August, with a clutch consisting of about 4-6 eggs. It takes just 13 days for chicks to hatch, who then leave the nest approximately two weeks later, reports the Express.

Robins are fierce defenders of their territory, so pruning can trigger their territorial behaviour if their nest becomes exposed. Commonly found in woodlands, gardens, parks and hedgerows, robins will sing to defend their space.

The red-breasted birds, often associated with Christmas, are usually quite tame when out of their nests and can be easily spotted perched on top of a branch. Their diet typically consists of fruits, seeds, insects, and earthworms.

They are frequently seen in gardens, on the lookout for worms among the plants. However, despite their association with the festive season, Robins are actually threatened by harsh winters.

These fiery little birds can lose up to 10% of their body weight in just one single freezing winter night. Therefore, it's crucial that they build up their fat reserves.

Bird enthusiasts can help prevent this by offering bird food.