Tag Archives: Robin (Turdus migratorius)

A Robin, Drinking

December 10, 2025

Glug, glug, GLUG!!

A Robin (Turdus migratorius) taking a drink at the birdbath. In order to drink the water, the Robin must scoop the water up into the lower portion of its bill and tilt its head back. This allows gravity to aid the water down the Robin’s throat. Many birds rely on this technique for quenching their thirst.

Doves (Columbidae) and Pigeons (Columba) have a different technique for drinking. They have a piston-like tongue which provides suction. This allows them to drink as if through a straw, drawing water, without the need to pitch its head back. Drinking in a more efficient manner, as well as giving them more safety from predators.

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Winterizing For The Birds

December 4, 2025

At the birdbath, three, but many more are around eating the berries. A Robin (Turdus migratorius), and two Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), enjoying water in liquid form during some mighty cold weather.

Today I decided I’d better get out in the cold to winterize the birdbath. Remove the dripper and empty the tubing of the remaining water. Clean out the birdbath and add fresh water. Untangle the electric cord that had been running the pump in the pond and attach it to the water warmer.

Now, all set. Just waiting to see if we actually get any snow overnight. I hope so.

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Robins And Migration

November 23, 2025

A Robin (Turdus migratorius) in late November, here in Virginia.

Ask an American Robin if it migrates and you might get a deep sigh and then a long stretched out, “Well . . .”

Seems it is a tossup, in part depending on food availability and weather conditions. Many stay put in their breeding grounds with no migration at all. Others will head south, but only quite a short distance to spend the winter. What I see here in central Virginia is a nomadic tendency, flocking together to find abundant food and water sources, often with Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum).

So seeing a Robin does not mean it is spring.

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One Robin In The Cold

January 15, 2025

One Robin (Turdus migratorius) at the birdbath getting a drink this afternoon as the temperature is beginning to fall from the day’s high of 30º. It’s been mighty cold the past many days. Snow that fell more than a week ago still covers the ground as if it just fell, though by now it is rock-hard.

No other Robins are with this one. No Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) with it either. They often move about in groups eating berries.

The Robin certainly not a sign of spring. We’ve got lots more winter to come. Good thing. I’m certainly not ready for spring yet!

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Certainly Not A Sign Of Spring

Seeing a Robin (Turdus migratorius) on the second day of January is certainly not a sign of spring, particularly when there are weather forecasts of snow happening here in just a few days. Sounds for sure like good ol’ winter to me.

Many Robins don’t migrate at all but stay right where they’ve been during the rest of the year. They tend to wander within their home range looking for things to eat as the days pass by. That may make it seen they are gone to warmer climes, but they’re still here.

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