Robins are priceless birds that have lovely red-orange bellies. The females tend to have muted tones, which is rule for birds. Fledglings have nice spotted feathers like a fawn, and a ruffled feather duster look.
In regard to behaviors, robins are quite fearless and can be found foraging around people (at the park, say…).
The nests look to be mostly made up of sticks and grass, finished in a bowl-like shape.
Their eggs are beautiful and were clung to for their pure sky blue color.
Robins are also one of the earliest nesters of birds, starting nest building as early as January, breeding in March/July!
Baby robins start to feed themselves at about 2-3 weeks of age. They will stay completely dependent on food brought from their parents until then.
At first, this is food that had to be digested and regurgitated, then broken up. Eventually they will start to eat entire insects – but eventually, they hunt theirs on their own.
Learn more below!
What Do Robins Eat?
Robins start eating bugs and they eat them for their whole life. Essentially, that’s the bulk of their diet.
The bugs consist of:
- Worms
- Mealworms
- Beetles
Although they are not limited to these.
Unlike other birds, robins usually don’t like corn, grain, or nuts, but a couple will eat a crushed peanut from time to time.
All in all, they prefer, first, bugs, and second, fruit.
In The Wild: In the wild, they will eat dogwood fruit, and if you have a feeder, they will usually like apple slices, strawberries, raisins, raspberries, or cherries!
How Do Robins Feed Their Babies?
Robins are serious parents because their babies need to be fed so often – about every ½ hour.
So, they’re generally always in search of food.
Their young get a near-solid diet of insects because they’re soft and easy to digest.
But insects are also the bulk of a robin’s diet regardless of their age.
The robins favorite:
- Worms
- Caterpillars
- And all kinds of invertebrates
Robins have a specialized beak that allows them to snatch them off leaves or pull them up from the ground and makes for a great, nutritious protein snack.
When Can Baby Robins Feed Themselves?
Baby robins can’t feed themselves at all until they are actually ‘fledged’- about 2-3 weeks old.
Until then, they completely rely on their parents for food and care.
Take a Look!
What Do Newborn Robins Eat?
For the first couple days after they hatch, baby robins can only eat food that has been regurgitated by their parents.
They can’t even digest until about a week has passed!
Their parents will then start to feed them broken up, but undigested insects.
Then they will eat fully intact insects when they’re about a week and a half.
After that, they still won’t be able to hunt for about another week!
Can Fledglings Feed Themselves?
Baby robins will ‘fledge’ at about 2-3 weeks of age.
Fledging means that they will try to leave the nest on their own. A fledgling will generally be identified by their ruffled feathers and distinct spots.
Baby robins will fly in short spurts and will quickly duck for cover when they think they see danger! Once baby robins have fledged, and have more mobility, they will begin to hunt – with varying success – with the help of mom and dad until they are considerably older.
Fortunately, for these baby robins who are still awkward flyers, worms and old fruit are not too hard to catch – at least, not with that super sharp beak!
Not Yet: fledgling robins will still return to the nest to sleep, as well as look to mom and dad for guidance and protection. They are not yet independent and need to learn how to be a skilled hunter and forager!
Adult Robins Hunt and Forage with Skill
When they’re 4-6 weeks old they are fledgling robins.
At this point they really are adults!
That means they’ll leave the nest and go become independent birds.
At this stage, fledglings should have a good deal of confidence in their flying and hunting skills and a high chance of survival.
These fledglings should be mainly adult colored. They may still have some speckling remaining on their body feather. Their bellies will get brighter as they grow older!
Well soon enough: After they feel at home as young adults, they will be looking for mates and making nests of their own as soon as the weather is nice enough!
Conclusion
If you’re like, “When can baby robins fend for themselves?” now you know!
Don’t sweat it, most young robins can take care of themselves (with the exception of a dog or something along those lines, feel free to intervene).
In conclusion, robins all like to munch on a bug for a snack!