About American Robins
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a familiar sight for many of us. These medium-sized songbirds, known for their reddish-orange breasts and distinctive chirping, are often considered the harbingers of spring. But here's a twist: not all robins migrate! Some stick around throughout the winter, especially if they can find food sources like berries or other fruits. This twist and other interesting facts about American Robins make this Journey North project particularly compelling.
While Journey North volunteers focus only on the American Robin, the American Robin belongs to the Turdidae family which includes diverse species such as the European Robin, Rufous-tailed Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, and others.
Learn More About The “Other” Robins
Male American Robin
Female American Robin
The Migration Study
American Robins are considered short-distance migrants, which means they do not embark on the epic journeys that some birds undertake. In the northern parts of North America, where they breed during the warmer months, robins often migrate southward as winter approaches. The migration itself can vary in timing and distance. Robins might travel a few hundred miles or even just a short distance south to find milder weather and more available food. As the weather gets colder and food becomes scarcer in their breeding grounds, those who choose to migrate south. They tend to travel during the day and might fly in loose flocks, stopping to rest and refuel along the way.
As winter wanes and spring begins, robins that migrated south begin their return journey northward. This migration, known as spring migration, is driven by the changing seasons and the availability of insects, which are a crucial part of their diet. Robins fly at around 30 - 36 mph during migration and can cover a daily distance of approximately 100-200 miles per day in favorable conditions. Robins primarily migrate during the daytime, using the sun's angle and adapting to weather patterns for navigation. Some have been known to occasionally travel at night. Weather conditions, including storms and extreme temperatures, and land use can influence migration success. Studies indicate that only around 25% of fledging robins survive until November. Experienced adults also face mortality during migration. In summary, the American Robin's migration is a complex and dynamic process, influenced by environmental factors, food availability, and seasonal changes. Their adaptability and ability to form flocks contribute to their survival during migration and wintering.
The Journey North American Robin Migration Project was launched in 1996. As with other Journey North projects, the American Robin Migration Project initially focused on tracking spring arrival dates by asking volunteers to report when they first saw and heard American Robins. In 2012, Journey North opened this project to year-round monitoring effort. Studying the migration of American robins is crucial for several scientific reasons, and some researchers even refer to them as "nature's engineers" due to their significant impact on ecosystems. As bioindicators, their migration patterns can reflect environmental health, offering insights into shifts in climate, food availability, and habitat conditions. Tracking these patterns helps researchers understand how climate change affects bird behavior, such as changes in migration timing due to warmer temperatures. Robins play a key role in ecosystems as predators and prey, controlling insect populations, aerating the soil, and dispersing seeds, promoting plant diversity and healthy soil dynamics. This knowledge is vital for conservation efforts, as it identifies critical habitats along their migratory routes that need protection. Research into robin migration also reveals their adaptability and resilience in response to environmental changes. Furthermore, robins' familiarity with the public makes them excellent for engaging in participatory science projects, raising awareness about environmental issues, and encouraging public participation in conservation. Overall, studying American Robin migration enhances our understanding of environmental health, climate change, and ecosystem dynamics, while fostering public engagement and driving technological innovation in wildlife research.
- Spring Migration
Robins migrate from northern breeding grounds to southern regions as winter approaches. Driven by the availability of food, they might travel a few hundred miles during the day. Robins initiate their spring migration as the days lengthen, experiencing zugunruhe or migratory restlessness. They start moving northward from Florida and the Gulf states, tracking the 37-degree average daily isotherm. Males typically follow this migration pattern, arriving on breeding grounds a few days to two weeks before females.
- Breeding and Nesting
Upon arrival, male robins engage in territory establishment, marked by singing and territorial battles. Females join later, focusing on nest building and laying eggs. The female's nesting duties include incubation, while the male defends the territory and contributes to feeding. Breeding occurs in the northern parts of North America during spring and summer. Nests are often built in trees, shrubs, or even on human-made structures.
- Preferred Habitat
Robins are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and woodlands. Robins prefer diverse habitats, ranging from lawns and open fields for foraging to thick coniferous trees for shelter during inclement weather. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments.
- Fall Migration
Some robins migrate south for the winter, while others stay put, depending on food availability. As winter approaches, robins face diminishing insect and worm supplies. The ground freezes, making it challenging to find their preferred food sources. In response, they switch to a diet of fruit. Fall migration sees robins forming loose flocks for both feeding and flying. Some robins undertake extensive migrations, covering thousands of miles.
Annual Cycle and Distribution
The migration itself can vary in timing and distance. Robins might travel a few hundred miles or even just a short distance south to find milder weather and more available food. As the weather gets colder and food becomes scarcer in their breeding grounds, those who choose to migrate start their journey. They tend to travel during the day and might fly in loose flocks, stopping to rest and refuel along the way.
Interestingly, as winter wanes and spring starts to blossom, the robins that migrated south begin their return journey northward. This migration, known as spring migration, is driven by the changing seasons and the availability of insects, which are a crucial part of their diet.
- January
Living in Flocks: Robins in winter are found from north to south. Some robins are basking in south Texas and Florida while others are enduring the hardships of the northern winter. Many robins are somewhere in between. As long as they can find fruits or berries, some may stay close to their summer areas even in fall and winter. Because they move in search of food, robins are not as faithful to their wintering grounds as most other songbirds. Winter robins wander in flocks. They hang out in groups so they can help one another find food sources and avoid predators.
- February
Growing Restless: By February, the largest numbers of robins are in the south where they still find fruit. Increasing sunlight triggers an urge to return north. Robins are getting restless. Depending on available food and favorable weather, some flocks begin to journey north.
- March
Migrating North: March is the peak month for robin migration. Waves of robins are moving north as the ground thaws and earthworms surface. Males return first and claim a territory. Females come a few weeks later. The male's territorial song is a welcome sign of spring for winter-weary northerners. The very first nests are reported in states such as Kansas and Virginia.
- April
Nesting: In April, some robins may still be migrating to the northernmost breeding range in Alaska, but most robins are on home territory. Gone are the social flocks of winter. Robins are now territorial. The melting snow and April showers mean wet, muddy ground. Mud + dead grass + worms = ideal conditions for nesting. Mates work together to build a sturdy nest in which to lay their eggs and hold their chicks.
- May
Raising Babies: It's May, and the first brood of chicks have hatched. Always on duty, both Robin parents work as a team. The dependent nestlings need their parents to feed, shelter, and protect them. When nestlings fledge, both parents continue to bring them food until the female Robin starts building a new nest for the next clutch of eggs. The fledglings stay with the male Robin parent to learn important skills. Both parents are critically important to the survival of their chicks.
- June
Raising More Babies: Nesting season is in full swing as June begins. Robins will have two or three broods each summer. Caring for nestlings for 11-13 days, the two parents will feed each chick an average of 356 insects and 14 feet of earthworms!
- July
Teaching Fledglings: During summer, Robin parents work from sunrise to sunset raising two to four broods. Newly fledged robins need time to grow and learn. Dad teaches them to forage for food, recognize dangers, and roost in trees with other robins. Few robins start new nests after late July. Caring for babies takes so much time and energy that migratory birds can do this for only a short time in their annual cycle. As the adults' hormones decrease and territorial feelings diminish, robins sing less, and the chorus quiets.
- August
Feasting on Fruit: By August the weather is drier, worms are harder to find, and fruits are ripening. Juvenile robins are independent. They watch how and what other birds eat as new food sources continue to ripen. The appetites of all robins increase as they fuel up for migration. They start forming flocks with other robins, young and old. Adults molt. Their new feathers will stand up to the rigors of fall migration and winter wandering.
- September
Fueling Up: It's September. Robins that had three or four broods may still be raising young. As the day length grows shorter, robins become restless and social. Flocks of robins are on the move, filling up on plentiful fruits and juicy berries. They are building up their body fat as fuel for fall migration
- October
Feeding on the Fly: October is the month of heaviest migration. Most robins fly south in winter; however, some stick around—and move around—in northern locations where food can be found. The robins that stay will have the advantage of the first choice of best territories in spring. Meanwhile, migrating robins find plentiful berries all along the journey south. Robins don't migrate on a particular route but fly in flocks, looking for food. Down feathers grow under outer feathers, adding extra insulation against winter's cold.
- November
Surviving Winter: During November migration is well underway, and it never really ends. Robins are on the move throughout autumn, winter, and early spring. Winter robins are social and travel in flocks, relying on one another to find food and watch for predators. Robins now spend more time in trees than on the ground. Fluffing out their down feathers keeps them warm in cold temperatures.
- December
Wandering in Winter: In December, robins face diminishing food supplies and harsh weather. Finding food is essential for winter survival. Robins take wandering flights to search for fruits and are now more common in the South than the North. Some observers report flocks of hundreds and thousands of robins!
Identification Tips
