American Robin Breeding Habits

American robins can fly up to 35 mph and are notable for their reddish-orange chests and vivid, light blue eggs.Like other species of birds such as cardinals, the males tend to be brighter in color. You can also distinguish a male from a female by examining the head; males have black heads while females have grayish-brown heads. The breeding habits of robins are unique because sometimes the same male and female will mate for consecutive years.

  1. Nesting

    • American robins construct nests made of twigs, grass and mud, usually placing them in trees and bushes but sometimes on buildings. Ideally, the nest will shelter the parents and offspring from rain and predators. The sizes of the nests range anywhere from 3 to 8 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. The nest takes anywhere from three to 15 days to construct. Both males and females take on the responsibility of gathering nest materials and constructing the nest.

    Males First

    • Common among American robins, but unique compared to many other bird species, males nearly always precede females in returning to their summer breeding area. This gives them a chance to gather food, select a nest site, and begin preparing the nest for the female's arrival. They engage in courtship feeding which requires the male to hunt and gather food to bring to the female and offspring so the female can tend to the nest. Competition with other males is fierce at this time as selecting suitable nest sites is important in the males' quest to attract a mate.

    Mating

    • For American robins, it's a woman's world when it comes to the process of courtship and mate selection. A female lets the males compete for her affection through their display of several important qualities. A female chooses a male according to his songs, plumage, and territory quality. Brighter color is better when it comes to plumage and sharp, harmonious sounds are preferable to dull ones.

    Protecting the Young

    • American robins diligently protect their young. Both the male and female assume responsibility of protecting the offspring from predators, and they do all of the feeding up to the time the offspring knows how to fly. American robins are diligent and eager protectors. When predators such as dogs, cats or humans encroach the nest, they will sometimes dive-bomb their predators to shun them from the nest.