About American Robins
Author's NoteThis story is based on true events. Part of it is sad. In the story, one of baby birds dies soon after it hatches. In real life, one of the fledglings disappeared on the same day it left the nest. In truth, three out of four robins die before they are one year old. Once they survive through their first year however, their chances of living several years goes way up.
Some of the threats to eggs and young robins that live in our neighborhoods are pesticides, squirrels, crows, and cats. Our cats are not part of the natural environment. One of the most important things we can do to protect native birds is to keep our cats indoors. Inside cats live much longer and are healthier than outdoor cats, so it’s good for both cats and birds. For information on how to keep your indoor cat happy, and your neighborhood birds protected, download the American Bird Conservancy/Cats Indoors Program Brochure at: http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/ cat_brochure.pdf Glossary of Termsbrood – a family of young hatched about the same time
clutch – a group of eggs laid together down – the soft first feathers of many young birds hatchling – a young bird having just broken out of its egg incubation – Sitting on eggs for the purpose of hatching fledgling – a young bird that has just left the nest but is still being cared for by its parents migrate – to move from one country or region to another Some Resources: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/robin/fact_page.html http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/id http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/robins.html#facts The American Robin by Roland H. Wauer, University of Texas Press; 1st edition (1999) |
Fast Facts
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