ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - American robin

American Robin

The American robin is popularly recognized as a "harbinger-of-spring." However, robins can be found in Ohio throughout the year. Robins can and do roost in the state through the winter, especially if it is a mild one; those that overwinter in Ohio are more abundant in the southern portions of the state.

As winter ends, and daylight lengthens, American robins are often the first birds you hear singing just as dawn approaches. This behavior has earned the bird the nickname "wake robin."

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American Robin

Turdus migratorius

At-a-Glance
• Mating: Monogamous

• Peak Breeding Activity: April- July • Incubation Period: 13 days

• Young Hatch: Late April- July; they are altricial, and require their parents' care • Number of Eggs: 3-4

• Eggs Produced: 2 broods in a year are typical, but sometimes 3 are produced

• Migration Patterns: Seasonal resident although there are winter roosts of robins in Ohio. Peak of the migration south is in October.

• Feeding Periods: Probably the majority of feeding takes place in the morning and evenings. When feeding young they likely feed all day.

• Typical foods: Earthworms, insects, and fruit

Description
The head, back, wings, and tail are a very dark gray to black in male robins and a slightly duller/lighter shade in females. The well-known breast is a light brown to brick red for adult males and a duller shade of red in females. The tail is tipped in white. Robins also have a slight white ring around their eyes. Legs and feet are a beige-gray.

Habitat and Habits
Robins prefer mowed habitat in urban, suburban, and rural areas for most of their activities. Some will use open woodland areas with sparse understory or ground cover. They are social birds that, when not breeding, will roost communally with other robins and occasionally with starlings and blackbirds.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Robins breed and nest in virtually any mowed area with suitable nesting sites--ranging from trees, to buildings, to fence posts--nearby. Nests are usally within 35 feet of the ground. Young robins are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents for their complete care. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs. Males help rear the nestlings and fledglings by providing food. The male's feeding role is more prominent late into the rearing of the first brood, as the female has diverted her attention to building a nest for the next brood. Young robins leave the nest at about 13 days.