How to Attract Robins

Unlike many birds that come to your backyard feeder, the American robin is not primarily a seed eater. Therefore, attracting this species has much to do with what is planted in your yard as well as the availability of earthworms, a staple in the robin's diet, and the water supply.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Go to your local nursery and choose a berry-producing plant suitable for the size and shape of your yard.

2. Plant and care for the plant or tree until it has matured enough to produce berries.

3. Purchase and fill a birdbath.

4. Nourish your lawn and other open areas to provide a rich habitat for earthworms and other insects.

Tips & Warnings

• Bayberry, Brazilian pepper, cherry, chinaberry, grape, honeysuckle, mistletoe, mulberry, pokeberry, pyracantha, sumac and toyon produce fruit robins love.
• Although you may create the perfect habitat for robins, there's no guarantee these wanderers will make your yard a feeding stop.
• Other birds attracted to berry-producing plants are mockingbirds, catbirds, thrashers, thrushes, bluebirds, waxwings, phainopeplas, tanagers and some varieties of finches and sparrows.
• Robins don't inhabit all of North America at all times of the year. In winter they're usually absent from the northern part of the country.
• Keep poisonous substances, such as insecticides, away from where robins may be looking for food.
• Avoid plants with berries that are poisonous if children or pets will be in the area.
• Since robins often congregate in flocks, attracting them to your yard may result in an overabundance of robin droppings.
• When pets run loose, they tend to discourage all birds and other forms of wildlife from entering your yard.

[upchurch]

on 8/6/2009 Thank you for the tips. Robins are my favorite birds.

[lakersrulrkobe1]

on 6/25/2009 Robins are very actratted?Wow.

[woot]

on 2/11/2009 I like the way your article takes the long view rather than just relying on a few hints to lure the next robin. You mentioned not planting seeds with poisonous berries. Could you name a few of the more common ones to avoid? Thanks.

on 11/22/2005 During the hot days of summer (when it hasn't rained for a while), water the yard so that the earthworms will appear. Then sit back and watch the robins show up.

on 11/22/2005 Pick a spot next to the garden to discard leftover vegetable matter (no meat, fat or grease). Keep the earth damp. This attracts worms, makes good compost and ensures a good supply of food for the birds.