American Robins are a familiar sight across North America, often observed in backyards and parks. These birds frequently spark curiosity about their nesting behaviors. Understanding how long young robins remain in their nests provides insight into their development and the dedicated care provided by their parents.
From Egg to Hatching
A female robin typically lays a clutch of three to five distinctive sky-blue eggs, depositing one each day. This vibrant coloration is often referred to as “robin’s egg blue.”
The female primarily incubates the eggs for approximately 12 to 14 days before they hatch.
Life as a Nestling
After hatching, young robins enter the nestling stage, a period of rapid growth within the nest. These chicks are born altricial, meaning they are helpless, mostly naked, and have their eyes closed for the first few days. Their eyes typically open around five days after hatching.
Young robins remain in the nest for 13 to 16 days. During this time, they develop feathers. Both parent robins are actively involved in feeding their offspring, making 100 to 150 feeding visits daily. Initially, parents feed them regurgitated food, transitioning to small pieces of worms and insects as the nestlings grow.
The Fledging Stage
When young robins are ready to leave the nest, they enter the fledging stage. This occurs when they are around 13 to 14 days old, often before they are capable of strong, sustained flight. Fledglings hop out of the nest and spend time on the ground or in low branches, continuing to develop their flight muscles and skills.
Parents continue to care for and feed these fledglings for an additional 10 to 15 days as they learn to forage independently. Finding a young robin on the ground during this period is normal, as they are still under parental supervision. They progressively become stronger fliers and more self-sufficient.
When to Intervene with Young Robins
Encountering a young robin on the ground can prompt concern, but intervention is often unnecessary. Understanding the difference between a nestling and a fledgling is important to determine if a bird needs assistance.
A nestling is typically featherless or sparsely feathered, unable to hop, and belongs in the nest. If a nestling is found on the ground, and the nest is nearby and accessible, it can be gently returned. The common belief that parents will reject a chick touched by humans is inaccurate, as birds have a poor sense of smell.
A fledgling, conversely, is mostly or fully feathered, can hop, and may have a short tail. These birds are meant to be out of the nest, learning to fly and forage, with their parents typically nearby, even if unseen. In most cases, the best course of action for a fledgling is to leave it alone, ensuring pets are kept away. Intervention, such as contacting a wildlife rehabilitator, is warranted only if the bird is visibly injured, appears ill, has been attacked by a cat, or is truly abandoned.