Saving the Song

Do you wonder why males don't sing their true song while in flocks — but usually wait until they're back on territory? Robin expert Laura Erickson says: Robins sing the true song when defending their territory, and they fight other birds who come near. If robins sing while still in the big flocks, fighting would break out and take time away from finding food and fueling for migration. Flocking behavior is very important. Imagine all those eyes on the lookout for food and enemies! Flocking helps robins defend the best food sources and protects the birds from predators.

Image: B. Gross