American Robin | Checklist of Robin Observations

American Robin

Checklist of Robin Observations

Date	Event
	Over-wintering robins Robins typically travel in flocks and follow food sources in winter. Report your sightings.
	First male robin The male’s brightly-colored breast and vivid dark head distinguish it from the drab female.
	First wave of robins A "wave" (three or more robins together) is a peak migration event.
	Average temperature reaches 36°F Test an age-old hypothesis. Do robins arrive and sing when the average temperature reaches 36°F? Learn how to measure and graph the isotherm.
	First earthworm How does the timing of robin migration relate to the reappearance of worms in the spring?
	First robin heard singing Means your resident robin has arrived and is establishing territory. Learn the robin's song!
	First female robin Females arrive later than males, from a few days to two weeks.
	First males seen in battle Means the male robins are fighting over territories.
	Nest building begins Watch for signs such as the male or female flying with nest materials, or the female with mud on breast. Both gather nest materials but usually only the female builds. She may begin within a day or two after arrival. It usually takes 2-6 days to build a nest.
	Incubation of eggs underway Females spend about 50 minutes of every hour incubating, so you can assume she's incubating when you see her less often!
	Young hatch Usually about 12-14 days after last egg laid. Watch for adult flying with worm, rather than eating it. Broken pieces of blue eggshell on ground may be a sign of eggs hatching OR of a nest predator.
	First young fledge Both parents feed the babies. About 9-16 days after eggs hatch the young leave the nest or fledge. Watch for flightless robins with a spotted breast on the ground or in low branches.
	First young take wing During the first 2-3 days after fledging, the young make their first clumsy flights. Watch how long it takes before they become good fliers.
	Parents start nesting all over again When suddenly only dad is feeding fledglings, mom is probably sitting on eggs again. Sometimes she uses the old nest and sometimes she builds a brand new one.
Please Report These Observations to Journey North! How to Report Your Observations