Description of the American Robin

Commonly seen bounding across your front lawn the male American Robin has a rust colored breast with dark head and wings. The female American Robin will be very similar in color but will have a lighter colored head than the male. A juvenile American Robin will have speckles in their rust colored breast, a light colored eyebrow and a beak that is pink in color rather than yellow. You will often see them standing erect surveying their surroundings or bent over plucking earthworms out of the ground.

Longevity and Molting of the American Robin

Given the commonality of the American Robin, they have a relatively short lifespan. A majority of American Robins will not survive their first year. Those that do are likely to live for five to six years, some even longer. It is estimated that the entire population turns over approximately every six years. American Robins will molt once a year, generally around August, when breeding season is over but there is still plenty of access to the required protein to replenish their feathers.

Family Life of the American Robin

Site selection and nest construction are both the responsibility of the female American Robin. They have the ability to hatch up to three clutches, or groups of chicks, per season. Both mother and father will help to raise the young chicks. During the fall and winter when they are not nesting, American Robins will often gather together into large flocks. While they are not bouncing around your front yard, it is likely that they are not far away. In a majority of the United States the American Robin doesn’t migrate, they simply head to the trees with their flock mates.

What Do American Robins Eat?

It goes without saying that the American Robin loves earthworms! They also enjoy insects as well as fruit and some nuts. They can be attracted to your platform feeder or ground feeding area with peanut hearts and hulled sunflower seeds.