Robins are a common sight in gardens during the winter months, and there’s a simple way to attract them to your outdoor space. It involves adding one fruit to your bird feeders

10:34, 10 Nov 2025Updated 10:35, 10 Nov 2025

Close-up of a European robin [Erithacus rubecula] standing in a metal bird feeder in a household garden with wooden trellis in the background.Robins may pay you a visit if you place a common fruit outside (stock image)(Image: © Jackie Bale via Getty Images)

Plenty of Brits adore spotting robins in their gardens, and it turns out there’s a straightforward technique you can employ to ensure they keep returning to your outdoor space. They’re prevalent during this period and, with most people linking them to Christmas, it’s delightful to witness them dropping by throughout November and December.

According to Kingsyard Official, a firm that manufactures bird feeders, incorporating one basic fruit into your feeder can encourage them to gather in your garden this winter. What’s even more brilliant is that you probably already possess this everyday fruit at home, making it quite easy to achieve.

After all, it’s crucial to care for wildlife and nurture them as much as possible. This is precisely why you must do your bit to aid robins this winter, and leaving certain things outside can help.

Nevertheless, if you wish to entice them, there’s a straightforward method you can employ. Kingsyard Official revealed on Instagram: “How to attract robins to your feeders? American robins aren’t typical feeder visitors, but they love open ground and platform feeders.

“Try adding apple slices, raisins, suet, mealworms or peanut hearts to draw them in. As winter approaches, robins will be looking for fresh water.

“Consider setting up a heated bird bath to welcome these beautiful birds during the colder months”. Robins become much more noticeable throughout the winter months because natural food sources become scarcer, meaning they’re far more likely to pop up in gardens and at bird tables whilst hunting for grub.

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The absence of thick foliage on trees and bushes also makes the little creatures much easier to spot. What’s more, some robins from continental Europe actually migrate to the UK for the winter, which boosts local numbers.

During autumn, their natural food supplies begin to diminish and they start establishing winter territories. This explains why they’re already beginning to appear again and you might even hear them singing their distinctive “autumn song”.

What many don’t realise is that these lovely birds became associated with Christmas thanks to Victorian-era postmen. Back in those days, postal workers wore bright red uniforms and were nicknamed “robins”.

Ever since then, these delightful creatures have been connected to the festive period. Nowadays, countless people are eager to spot them in their gardens throughout the winter months. It transpires there’s a straightforward method to easily entice them.

Do robins really like apple?

What many don’t realise is that robins absolutely love munching on apple, particularly during autumn and winter when their diet changes from insects to fruits and berries. To draw them in, you can provide small, fresh apple slices or place them on a bird platform feeder.

Robins have a natural penchant for berries and fruits from trees and shrubs, which is why they’re often attracted to fruit. As the temperature drops and insects become scarce, fruit becomes a significant part of their diet.

The trick is to ensure the fruit is in tip-top condition and doesn’t go mouldy. If it does, bin it and replace it with fresh.

Some experts suggest you should also steer clear of giving them high-sugar fruits like grapes. But, if you’re running low on apples, there are other alternatives you can offer them.

Dried fruits such as raisins could be left out for them too. They’re also partial to pears and peanuts, provided they’re chopped up small. There are a few bits and bobs you can leave out for them to help the birds through the winter.

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