Critter Factbook

Animals · Birds

Robins: eggs and chicks, what they eat, whether they migrate, and more

The American robin, the North American bird, not the European robin. Each answer below is one line in our words, with the scope the source was writing about and the source’s own sentence further down.

Quick answers

QuestionAnswerScopeSourceChecked
Eggs and hatching Usually four light blue eggs, which hatch after about 12 to 14 days. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
When chicks leave the nest At 14 to 16 days old. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
How often they nest Up to three times a year, in a breeding season running from April through July. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
What they eat Earthworms, beetles, grasshoppers, ants, caterpillars, spiders and snails, and lots of fruit in fall and winter. Not bird seed. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
Do they migrate? Not all of them. Some robins stay put when winters are mild. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
How big they are 8 to 11 inches long and 2 to 3 ounces. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
How fast they fly 30 to 36 mph at most. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension
What eats robin chicks Crows, jays, owls and hawks. American robin, Oregon State guide Oregon State University Extension

In the sources’ own words

Eggs and hatching

“The female generally lays four light blue eggs, which she incubates (sits on) until they are ready to hatch after about 12 to 14 days.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

When chicks leave the nest

“…ready to fledge or leave the nest when they are 14 to 16 days old.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

How often they nest

“Robins may nest up to three times each year…”

“The breeding season for robins is from April through July.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

What they eat

“They run across the ground searching for earthworms, beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, caterpillars, flies, spiders, and snails. They also eat a lot of fruit in the fall and winter.”

“Robins don't eat bird seed.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

Do they migrate?

“Some robins do not migrate if winters are mild.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

How big they are

“Robins are 8 to 11 inches long. They weigh 2 to 3 ounces…”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

How fast they fly

“They can fly up to 30 to 36 miles per hour…”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

What eats robin chicks

“Crows, jays, owls, and hawks prey on baby robins.”

Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: American Robin (EC 1568)

Scope: American robin, Oregon State guide

What these sources do not say

  • How long robins live. The Oregon State guide does not give a lifespan.
  • Anything about the European robin, which is a different bird.

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