Robins are one of the most familiar and beloved birds in gardens and parks. Their vibrant red feathers at the front and cheerful song signal the arrival of spring for many people, but what really brings them to your backyard? The answer is simple: food.
Robins are omnivores, and their diet is both varied and seasonal. In this post, weâll explore what robins eat, from their favourite worms to seasonal treats like berries.
Read more:
- Digging Deeper: How Do Robins Know Where To Find Worms? (With Free Hand-Illustrated Clipart)
- Robinâs Menu Through The Seasons: A Guide To Their Summer & Winter Diets
Worms: A Robinâs Go-To Snack
When you think of robins, the first food that probably comes to mind is worms. Indeed, earthworms make up a large portion of a robinâs diet, especially during the warmer months. Robins are excellent foragers, and they use their keen vision to spot worms as they emerge from the ground. Theyâll hop around, tilt their heads, and then use their sharp beaks to snatch up the worms quickly.
Earthworms provide robins with essential nutrients like protein, fats, and minerals. The abundance of worms during spring and summer is a key reason why robins are so active during these seasons.
Here is an illustration I made of a cute robin looking at a nervous looking worm. I created the artwork in Procreate. To download and print it, simply click on the image to open a new tab with the high quality image file.
Here is one with a white background. Again, to download and print this one, simply click on the image to open a new tab with the high quality image file.
Insects: A Protein-Packed Snack
In addition to worms, robins also enjoy a variety of insects. They will eat ants, beetles, caterpillars, and even grasshoppers. Insects provide robins with a high-protein diet, which is especially important during their breeding season when they need the extra energy to care for their young.
Robins often forage on the ground, flipping over leaves or pecking through the grass in search of their favourite insect snacks. In fact, their love of insects makes them natural pest controllers in gardens, where they help keep insect populations in check.
Berries: A Sweet Treat
As the seasons change, robins shift their diet to include more fruit, especially during fall and winter. Berries are a robinâs favourite seasonal treat. Theyâll feast on a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Robins also enjoy eating the berries of native shrubs and trees, such as holly, dogwood, and mountain ash.
Berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are vital for robinsâ overall health, particularly during colder months when food can be scarcer. The sweet taste of berries also provides robins with a much-needed energy boost for the colder months ahead.
Fruits & Seeds
As temperatures drop and worms and insects become harder to find, robins will turn to fruit and seeds. In addition to berries, robins will eat apples, pears, cherries, and other fallen fruits. They are also known to peck at seeds found in bird feeders, though they prefer fresh fruit when available.
During migration, robins will also feed heavily on fruits and seeds to build up fat reserves for their long journey. These foods help them maintain energy during their travels.
What to Feed Robins in Your Yard
If you’re looking to attract robins to your yard or simply want to offer a helping hand, you can create a robin-friendly environment by planting berry-bearing shrubs or trees. Additionally, providing a water source, like a birdbath, is essential for robins to drink and bathe.
While robins primarily rely on natural food sources, you can also offer them a variety of birdseed mixes that include suet, sunflower seeds, or mealworms. Be mindful that robins prefer food that is easy to access, such as ground-level feeders or spreading fruit directly on the ground.
Conclusion
Robins are fascinating creatures with diverse eating habits that change with the seasons. From the protein-packed worms and insects in spring and summer to the sweet, energising berries and fruit in fall and winter, robins adapt their diet based on whatâs available in their environment. By understanding their feeding preferences, you can make your yard more inviting to these beautiful birds, and in return, enjoy their presence throughout the seasons.
Whether youâre looking to attract robins to your garden or simply admire them from afar, offering the right types of food can go a long way in creating a welcoming space for these delightful songbirds.
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