About American Robins

Author's Note

This 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 Terms

brood – 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

  • Robins have gray and brown backs with a bright orange breast. Male robins are larger and their coloring is brighter than the female. 
  • The male robins are the singers, and usually the first bird to be heard at dawn.
  • Four is the average number of eggs the female robin lays. “Robins’ Egg Blue” is a famous color.
  • The eggs take about twelve to fourteen days of incubation before they are ready to hatch. 
  • Newborn robins have no feathers and are blind.
  • The first feathers to come in are down feathers. They are fine and gray and help keep the bird warm. Soon after, the chick grows speckled brown feathers. These blend in with the color of the nest and help hide him.
  • One hatchling can eat up to 200 feet of earthworms before it is ready to leave the nest.
  • Chicks remain in the nest for two weeks before flying.
  • Robins usually raise two sets of young during the spring/summer season. The male feeds and trains the first group of fledglings while the female begins another clutch. The fledglings stay around the area of their birth for about four months.
  • After the last brood of birds has left, the nest is no longer used. 
  • Eggs and young robins are in danger of being eaten by squirrels, crows, cats, and snakes. 
  • Two out of five eggs laid will become chicks. One in four of those born will survive to November.
  • The average life span for a robin is 6 years. A few have been known to live to age 14.
  • Robins look for worms by cocking their heads to one side. This action has caused people to think the birds are listening for the worm.  
  • Besides worms, robins eat insects, small snakes, and many kinds of fruit including cherries and tomatoes.
  • Robins usually migrate south during the winter where food is more plentiful.