A couple of months ago, at the beginning of May, I watched two newly-fledged baby robins foraging about outside my window. They seemed quite independent, despite their youthful appearance - the most noticeable part of which was a complete lack of any red on the breast. All they had was a rather mottled area in a tawny sort-of colour, showing where the fine red breast would eventually be; and instead of the smooth greyish-brown tailcoat of their parents, their backs were covered in a gently speckled brown.
I had no idea that they were not born with the redness already present, and wondered how long it take for it to appear, and in what manner.
Most conveniently one of them has stayed around, making daily trips to the bird food dish, and generally putting himself on show, so I have been able to observe his gradual ascent to man-hood!
Rather endearingly, it started as a little round red spot right in the middle of his breast. He went around like this for a few weeks, and the red spot gradually extended outwards, getting larger and larger, until at last, just a day or two ago, he appeared proudly resplendent in a full red waistcoat; not yet as sleek as a full adult, and still a bit rough-and-ready looking round the edges, but a fine specimen, nonetheless!
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