Do Robins Sleep in Trees? Exploring Their Night-time Retreats

As I sit in my backyard on a crisp evening, the familiar song of a robin fills the air, a cheerful melody that signals the end of another sunny day. But as the sky darkens and the last traces of sunlight fade away, I often wonder—where do these adorable little birds go when night falls?

After a bit of curiosity-driven research, I discovered that the truth about where robins sleep at night is a bit more nuanced than I initially thought. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of robin bedtime habits and see where these beloved birds rest when the day is done.

New Study Reveals The Roosting Habits Of The European Robin

A Robin’s Ideal Sleeping Spot

Many people, myself included, assume that robins, like many other birds, settle into a cozy perch on a tree branch come nightfall. While this is true for some robins, it’s not the full story.

Robins are often seen resting on tree branches during the day, basking in the sun or hiding from predators. However, when night comes, their sleeping arrangements change. Most robins—especially those living in urban or suburban areas—will seek a safe, sheltered spot in a tree or shrub. Trees provide a natural refuge from predators like owls, hawks, or even neighbourhood cats, and their dense branches offer protection from the elements.

That said, robins don’t just sleep anywhere in a tree. They choose spots that offer some kind of cover, such as the inner branches or the thicket of dense shrubs. These secluded spots help them stay hidden from predators and shield them from the wind or rain. They often prefer tall, leafy trees because these locations make it harder for potential dangers to spot them.

The Secret Life of Robins at Night

Here’s where it gets a little more interesting. According to a recent study by the University of Gloucestershire, the European robin was found to favour laurel trees over others, and roost no higher than four metres above the ground and within eight metres of its roost site from the previous night.

Do Robins Sleep Alone?

While robins are often depicted as solitary birds, they actually tend to sleep in loose groups, especially in the fall and winter months. It’s common to see small gatherings of robins settling down for the night in a quiet corner of a park or a densely wooded area. This isn’t just about socialising, though—group sleeping helps provide an extra layer of safety. There’s safety in numbers, and when robins rest together, they can keep an eye out for potential threats.

What Happens When Winter Comes?

As colder weather approaches, robins’ sleeping habits shift slightly. Instead of settling in the trees, robins in colder regions may seek out more sheltered spots closer to the ground. They often sleep in dense shrubs, underbrush, or even in hedgerows where they can stay warm. Their plumage becomes thicker as winter sets in, providing extra insulation against the cold.

European robins don’t head south like some other birds. While many robins do migrate, a surprising number of them remain in the northern regions, adjusting their sleeping habits and food sources to survive the winter months.

The Robin’s Nighttime Ritual

As evening falls, robins become quieter and less active. They typically spend the last hours of daylight foraging for food, filling up on insects, berries, or worms. As night approaches, they find their chosen perch, settle down, and fluff their feathers to retain warmth. Unlike some other birds, robins don’t enter a deep, restful sleep. Instead, they take short naps throughout the night, staying alert for any sounds of danger. They are light sleepers and will often wake up at the slightest disturbance.

So, the next time you spot a robin in your backyard, take a moment to think about where that little bird might be going once the sun sets. Whether they sleep high up in the trees, nestled in a thicket, or tucked away in a cozy bush, robins always seem to find a safe haven to rest their wings for the night 🌙✨️

Sadie @ InsideMyNest

Hi 👋, I’m Sadie—wife to a super supportive husband (also my business partner) and busy mum of two young children (the biggest miracles of my life). Every illustration you see here has been hand-illustrated by me (with several hours spent on some of them… yes, think I’m still a bit old-school), and all images are original photos that I have taken myself or of my own handmade creations. But I’m no expert, or have had any specialised training—just someone who is learning and would like to share that learning journey with like-minded individuals who are on the same boat as me :)

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