Mouths to Feed

Diligent Parents

As Journey North volunteers can attest, American Robins take their parental duties seriously. Males and females are responsible for certain jobs as they raise young. The female builds the nest, lays the eggs, and incubates them. Once the nestlings hatch, both parents get busy feeding them. When the nestlings fledge (leave the nest), both parents continue to follow them and feed them. After a few days, the female builds a new nest and lays new eggs. While she incubates the new brood, the male continues taking care of the fledglings. By the time the new eggs hatch, the fledglings are ready to be on their own and the male is able to help feed the new nestlings.

Donna in Kalamazoo, MI: "Started sitting on nest, continued for about 3 days." (04/24/2023)

Chris in Monona, WI: "A female robin made repeated visits to a muddy area in my garden to gather mud for nest building. She continued this for two more days." (05/06/2023)

Rebecca in Beckley, WV: ". . . Each one has been taking turns being in the nest. . . The nest has been here for about a week. Today was first sightings of the parents." (05/09/2023)

The Next Generation

Reports of nestlings and fledglings also are coming in being submitted as spring brings new life.

Heather in Mazomanie, WI: This was from Saturday 5/6/23 and they’ve all hatched!!!" (05/07/2023)

Rebecca in Adams, NY: "Saw this nest a few days ago with Mom Robin bringing the babies food. Was able to get my good camera and zoom right in (from a distance). Did not disturb nest or get too close. Saw 4 mouths." (05/10/2023)

Keep Reporting

Keep reporting what American Robin activities your observe. Nesting behaviors including gathering materials for nests, egg laying, feeding babies. Other behaviors include foraging, mating, splashing in bird baths, and many more.

May is a busy period of spring migration. Are you observing hummingbirds,  monarchs,  or songbirds such as orioles? You can participate in these and a number of other Journey North projects throughout the rest of spring and early summer, as well as throughout the year!

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 13

World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them, is this Saturday, May 13. The theme of this year's celebration is "Water: Sustaining Bird Life." Join the campaign by listening to – and watching birds – wherever you find yourself this weekend. And report your bird observations to Journey North as we work together to conserve and protect these species and the water and habitats upon which they rely. 

Read more in the World Migratory Bird Day 2023 News Release»