Tiny robin flies 2,200km from Russia to Malta

A Robin (Pitirross) has been found in Malta after having been recorded in Russia, 2,000 kilometres away, BirdLife Malta said. Another Robin from the Czech Republic flew over 1100 kilometres to Malta, where a large population of these birds spends the winter months.

The society said Maltese bird ringers identified the two Robins, which weigh only 13 grams, from the uniquely numbered rings that were attached to their legs.

After getting in touch with the Czech ringing association, BirdLife Malta found out that the Czech bird was ringed 27 days before it was caught in Malta, after travelling at least 1110 kilometres. The Robin from Russia was ringed 42 days before it was caught in Malta and travelled over 2200 kilometres. After the rings were read and scientific measurements taken, the birds were immediately released back into the wild.

"This is an amazing feat for a 13 gram bird that must face the full power of the elements on an exhausting migratory journey." said Mark Gauci, Head of BirdLife Malta's Ringing Scheme.

"These scientific records show once again the importance of Malta as one of the main migration routes taken by various bird species. It also highlights the importance of the island as a wintering ground for these species."

Ringing is the scientific study of birds involving fitting birds with a uniquely marked ring. Details of the bird are then put into an international database to facilitate sharing of data at an international level by the various ringing organizations in the birds range. Ringing efforts in Europe are coordinated by The European Union for Bird Ringing (EURING) (1). BirdLife Malta is the EURING recognized national organisation responsible for ringing studies in Malta.

Europe's birds breed during the spring period, when food is abundant and the weather hospitable, leaving Europe and travelling to their wintering grounds in autumn as food supplies dry up and the weather worsens. While most of Europe's birds over winter in Africa, many also over winter in the southern Mediterranean including the Maltese islands.