American Robin
Creature Feature
Photo by Adam Jackson
At Home Amongst Humans
American Robins are one of the most common birds found where humans live. This includes rural, suburban, and even the most urban areas.
Photo by David Morris
This is largely because there is a lot of food for American Robins in many human-altered places. Especially berries, fruits, and earthworms.
Photo by Peter Waysick
Robins frequently nest in, and nearby, people's yards, mostly in shrubs and trees. They also often build their nests on human-made structures. This includes places like house eaves and building ledges. And sometimes even in flower pots.
Photo by Shaun Coleman
American Robins pairs often have two, and sometimes three, broods of young per year in the Northeast. Each brood often contains anywhere between 3-5 young per brood.
Photo by Kathy Richardson
Worms, Berries, and…Booze?
During the spring-fall, American Robins eat mostly of a mix of worms and berries. During this time of year they focus on earthworms in the mornings and fruits/berries later in the day.
Photo by Justin Flint
They can often be seen feeding for worms in residential yards and grassy areas at parks. When doing so, they often tilt their head to the side. People long thought they did this to listen for worms.
Photo by Jesse Rorabaugh
Scientists recently confirmed that birds tilt their heads to spot worms, not to listen for them. They tilt their heads to spot small movements in the grass or dirt. These movements signal the presence of worms underground. They need to tilt their head to see this because their eyes are on the sides of their head.
Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
During winter American Robins mostly feed on berries that are remaining on shrubs. These food sources are vital for their winter survival. Without them, they will move south to find more food.
Photo by Kathy Richardson
In late winter and early spring, you might notice American Robins walking or standing a bit wobbly. This is the result of eating berries that have fermented. Yep, they are a bit buzzed/drunk!
Photo by Shaun Coleman
Sign of Spring?
American Robins are a “Sign of Spring” for many people in the Northeast. The main reason for this connection is that their numbers in yards grow starting late-winter and early-spring.
Photo by Laura Wolf
Like many songbirds, American Robins are migratory and head south for the winter. Still, many are present throughout the Northeast during winter.
Photo by Laura Wolf
Most of the American Robins here in winter likely come from farther north, including Canada. Though some unknown percentage of individuals may remain here year-round.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
The number of American Robins during winter in the Northeast can vary quite a bit from year to year. Scientists think that this is primarily related to food availability and weather conditions.
Photo by Corey Farwell
More will stay in the Northeast during winter if there is enough food; mainly berries during that time of year. Additionally, it is believed that more are likely to remain throughout the winter during winters with less harsh weather conditions.
Quite a Flocking Bird
In the winter, American Robins flock together during the day and roost together at night in trees. Some winter roosts in the Northeast can be massive. They can contain upwards of 10,000 Robins at a single roost site.
Photo by Laura Wolf
Flocking together helps them find food and also to keep an eye out for predators while feeding. This is simply due to the fact of more pairs of eyes on the lookout rather than doing so individually.
Photo by Liz Smith
In summer, females spend the night at their nests whereas males gather at roosts at nights. As young robins become independent, they join the males. Female adults go to the roosts only after they have finished nesting for the year.
Don’t use herbicides or pesticides: Because they eat worms that live in the ground and also berries & fruits, they bioaccumulate any chemicals that are present in these.
Reduce light pollution around your home: Learn more here
Plant native shrubs that produce berries/fruits that American Robins feed on: Inquire with your local plant nursery for advice on this.