Wildlife Viewing - With Your Child

drawing of family With Your Child

Robins

photograph of robins
American Robins

The movement of birds and the growth and flowering schedule of plants can be confusing in our Southern climes because much of the literature our children are exposed to emphasizes Northern nature lore. It’s no wonder then that adults and children alike think that spring in Florida arrives with the robins, as it does up north. In fact, robins winter in Florida, traveling from as far away as Canada to feast on the insects and berries that thrive here year-round.

In the spring, these robust birds with their brick-red breasts and dark brown backs leave the state to return to their northern breeding grounds. Robins do occasionally nest in north Florida, because it is the extreme southern limit of their breeding range, but the vast majority leave.

The robin is a member of the thrush family and its beautiful voice is a characteristic it shares with its relatives such as the hermit and wood thrush. Unfortunately, Floridians are more likely to hear the less melodic call note from these winter visitors, a “tut” sound.

You may notice that the robins form large flocks. This is typical of many species in the winter. If you plant your yard with trees or shrubs bearing ripe berries, don’t be surprised to find them full of robins and other berry-loving migrants such as cedar waxwings. After they reach their breeding grounds, mated pairs will establish and defend smaller nesting territories.