The American robin (Tutsis migratorius) is the most abundant bird in North America, but because it is highly migratory, it is often seen during only certain parts of the year. In Florida, we are considered part of its winter range, but I don’t really see many of them around here until spring is just beginning and it starts migrating back up north. When migrating or preparing to migrate, it’s not unusual to see good sized groups of them foraging on the ground in clearings and along roadsides. A couple of years ago, I came across a very large group and spent quite awhile photographing them. Earlier this week I found a smaller group in a clearing near my office, so I repeated the experience. This time we weren’t out by the road, so there were fewer interruptions, but the birds do stay very alert when down on the ground, so they did startle several times. Whatever they were feeding on, though, must have been pretty good and pretty abundant, because each time they came back quickly.

These birds are omnivores who will eat anything from the earthworms they are so famous for catching (the early bird catches the worm) to beetles, grubs, and grasshoppers, but they will also eat fruits, berries, and even occasionally seeds. Their main predators are domestic cats, but they may also be preyed on by hawks, owls, and eagles. They are a species that has learned to live around people and currently seems to have stable populations, at least in most parts of its range.

It won’t be long before these guys are on their way back up north to begin breeding. They tend to be one of the first birds to begin breeding, allowing them to produce two and often three broods per season. I always enjoy getting to spend a little time watching them as they get ready to go. First because I know before long they’ll be gone for another year, and also because they’re one of the first signs that spring is on its way.