Nesting Robins | Mom Feeding Robins feed their young mostly earthworms along with some fruit. They tend to eat more earthworms in the morning and more fruit in the afternoon. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Nestling Portrait The helpless chicks are naked and have their eyes closed for the first few days after hatching. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Hungry Nestlings Both male and female robins feed their chicks worms, insects, and berries. Robins protect their fledglings by alarm calls and threatening dives toward potential predators. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Tree Nesting Most Robins nest in trees. Lucky for photographers, they often nest in the lower tree branches. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Wreath Nesting This mom is keeping her three eggs warm. The incubation period is 12-14 days. Although Robins can produce three broods a year, only half of the nestlings produced will survive. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Nestlings Although the American Robin may produce three successful broods (each clutch with 3-5 eggs) in one year, only about half of the nestlings produced will survive. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | Mom & Nestlings The American Robin is one of the earliest bird species to lay eggs in the spring. Female robins choose the nest site; typically in the lower half of a tree. They also nest in gutters, eaves, light fixtures, etc. as well as a decorative wreaths. They may produce three successful broods a year; each clutch with 3-5 eggs. For the whole story with all images, see Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story.
Nesting Robins | a 7 Image Story The American Robin is one of the earliest bird species to lay eggs in the spring, Female robins choose the nest site; typically in the lower half of a tree. They also nest in gutters, eaves, light fixtures, etc. as well as a decorative wreaths. Females build the nest from the inside out using their wing to press dead grass and twigs into a cup shape. Once the cup is formed, the nest gets reinforced soft mud. She then lines the approximately 5×4 inch nest with fine dry grass. Although the American Robin may produce three successful broods (each clutch with 3-5 eggs) in one year, only about half of the nestlings produced will survive. Both male and female robins feed their chicks worms, insects, and berries. Robins protect their fledglings by alarm calls and threatening dives toward potential predators. The fledglings fly short distances after leaving the nest, then become good fliers within two weeks. By adulthood, they will fly 20-35 miles per hour. When migrating at higher altitudes, they fly faster.
The American Robin is one of the most common birds in North America. Although they are considered harbingers of spring, Robins can be found year round almost anywhere south of the Canadian border. Their warm red-orange breast and cheery song make them a favorite. They are at home in wild areas as well as towns and cities from New York City to the Alaskan wilderness. American Robins are common in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, tundra, woodlands, etc.; just about anywhere in North America. Robins eat large numbers of earthworms as well as caterpillars, grubs, fruits and berries. They eat much more fruit in fall and winter. They tend to eat more earthworms in the morning and more fruit in the afternoon. Although a lucky robin can live to be 14 years old, the entire robin population turns over every six years. Hard to believe, but once Robins were killed for their meat. They are now protected in the USA.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nesting Robins.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Robin Nesting Information
| Clutch Size | 3-5 eggs |
| Broods / Year | 1-3 broods |
| Egg Length x Width | 1.1-1.2 in x 0.8 in |
| Egg Description | Unmarked sky blue or blue-green |
| Incubation Period | 12-14 days |
| Nestling Period | 13 days |
| Hatching Condition | Helpless; naked with whitish down. |
| Nest Width x Height | 6-8 in x 3-6 in |
