Northern Illinois | 2/13/2019 11:32 am Local Time | Fair 14°F Moderate Winds
In Search of Snowbirds | Winter Robin The little Robin red breast was my mom’s favorite bird with the possible exception of a Cardinal in the winter snow. She always loved it when the Robins first appeared while it was still winter because she knew spring was not far behind. Back then, they seemed to go south for the winter. Now, we see a few of them all winter long. They don’t eat seeds, but they will eat berries if worms are not available. They seem to like the crabapples. A little ice added to the surroundings.
The Back Story Small birds are a challenge to capture. This image was a simple lunch click.
Quick Facts…
| Winter Robin … gray-brown birds with warm orange underparts and dark heads. | |
| Habitat | Cities, towns, lawns, farmland, forests; in winter, berry-bearing trees. |
| Range | Year around in Northern Illinois |
| Nest | Tree or shrub 5-25′ above ground. Cup of mud, grasses, twigs, debris lined with grasses & fibers. |
| Diet | Mostly insects, berries, earthworms. |
| Behavior | Forages on the ground, running/pausing on open lawns; locates earthworms by sight. |
| Size | Length: 7.9-11.0 in | Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz | Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in |
