Claiming a Territory
As the calendar turns to spring, listen for males singing their claim to territories. What does a robin need in a territory?
Spring Arrivals
When male robins arrive, the first thing they do is claim a territory. Walk around your neighborhood and notice where a robin could find what it needs - water for bathing/drinking, earthworms and insects for eating, shelter from predators, and a safe place for the family's nest. Listen for their territorial songs. Also, be on the lookout for females who arrive on territory a few days to a week behind the males.
Breeding Season Begins
Spring is a high-energy time for robins. As the busy breeding season begins robins spring into action — singing, claiming, battling, and wooing. From north to south, observers are reporting in as robins return:
Canada: “I was sitting in my living room watching the news when a bird flew by. I knew it was something out of the ordinary for winter birds, so went outside to check. Two male American Robins were busy eating ornamental apples. These are the first returning Robins I have seen in Lethbridge this year,” reported Ken from on March 16, 2018.
Texas: “From 6-6:30 p.m. a wave of Robins came to our backyard. Taking baths, some nicely waiting their turn but others squabbling. Only 5 or 6 would get in the bird bath at one time before some decided it was too crowded and would fly to a local Live Oak Tree. They were in the trees & shrubs so it was hard to get a correct count. I think they were looking for any left-over fruit on the Holly & Cherry Laurel shrubs. Some were also preening and waiting to go back to the bird bath. Vocals that I heard were Peek & Tut, Whinny, & Zeeeep,” reported Bonnie on March 14, 2018.
