We see them hopping along the sidewalks
and in our yards each spring and summer. These medium-sized,
red/orange-breasted birds bring a smile to us around this time of year
as they indicate spring is here (or at least it's around the corner!)
The American
Robin is common throughout North America and is at home in the city as
readily as in the country. A connoisseur of earthworms, robins also eat
insects and berries. Our robins migrate from Mexico and places farther
south, wintering in these warmer climates then returning each spring to
nest and raise their young. They often migrate in loose, though
sometimes large, flocks. Males return first, establishing their nesting
territories. A pair of robins may nest and raise young 2 or even 3
times in one season, depending upon weather, habitat and other factors.
Robins
generally nest in trees, but they've been known to create and set upon
nests under house roofs and porches.
So as you're
enjoying the longer spring days and warming temperatures, listen for the
robin's cheery song and watch its diligence as it awaits its next
earthworm meal - there's just something special about the robins of
spring!
To learn more
about robins, including listening to their song, visit the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology by clicking
here.
