The other day another teacher and I were talking about robins. My friend is from Alabama. I said to her, “Well, up here, when we see a robin, we know spring is not far behind.” In reply, Gail said, “Come on, Robins!”
There have been some years when the robins have not left this part of Kansas. And there have been some winters like this one, the robins left in early November and have not returned. It is March 12, it’s warmer and sunny, but where are the robins?
Robins are those brownish birds with orange bellies. We call them red-breasted robins. And they don’t actually migrate, but only go as far south as they need to in order to find berries to eat in winter. Depending on the weather, they can be found as far north as Canada, or in harsher winters, find shelter farther south in Oklahoma and Texas. This year, they are not in northern Kansas because according to weather reports, we’ve had more than our share of the polar vortex drop our way.
These birds, like the rest of the animal kingdom, have instincts human beings cannot fathom to have. When we finally do see a robin in this part of the country they will be telling us, with more confidence than the calendar, that Spring is on the horizon. We may still get a snow, but the winterish weather will be short lived, because our red-breasted friend knows more than we know.
The American Robin is a popular bird, both because it is so widely recognized, and because of its beautiful song. This bird may be the first bird you hear in the morning and the last bird you hear before dark. Robins usually return to the same areas for their nesting grounds. They are also loved for their blue “robin” colored eggs. Both the female and the male parents tend to the nest and help the baby birds.
The robin has up to 3 broods a year and there are some robins who are able to live up to 13 years old, but this is rare. The average lifespan is closer to 6 years of age. Robins are the largest in the thrush family in North America. This is one species of birds where the male doesn’t out shine the female by much. The orange feathers are just a little brighter on the male than the female but hardly noticeable unless you are looking very hard.
Robins are considered the “happy birds.” They are always singing and busy. Robins eat berries, worms, spiders, and other insects. Robins love to be where the lawns or wooded areas are plentiful, and moisture is abundant. This keeps the berries growing and insects thriving enough to sustain the flock.
The American Robin may very well be the most popular bird in North America. In fact, Michigan, Connecticut, and Wisconsin have named the robin their state bird. The robin has also been named the national bird of England.
I keep looking out my window for robins. I remember the day they left last fall. A whole flock was in the yard, hopping, and eating insects and worms from the ground. They left for the berries of the south and now we must wait for their return. Oh sweet songbird of summer, please, come back. For when we see you, we know spring and summer are not far behind!
Audubon Guide to North American Birds
