A fledgling robin is a young robin that has left the nest but is still being cared for by its parents. Fledglings have most of the feathers and body parts of an adult robin, but their feathers are fluffier and they lack the vivid red breast that robins are known for. Here are the key things to look for when identifying a fledgling robin.
Size and Proportions
Fledgling robins are about the same size as adults, around 8-11 inches long including the tail. Their bodies are plump and round, with proportionately large feet and heads. At this stage, the wings are close to full size but the tail is shorter than an adult’s. Fledglings often appear clumsy and unbalanced since their wings and tail are not in perfect proportion yet.
Plumage
While adult robins have sleek, smooth feathers, a fledgling’s plumage is fluffy and disheveled-looking. The feathers are still growing in and have a fuzzy, matted appearance. The fledgling’s chest lacks the vibrant red-orange breast of the adult male robin, instead appearing lightly speckled. The head has scruffy brown feathers mixed with white. Overall, fledglings appear brown, streaked, and patchy.
Beak
A fledgling robin’s beak will be mostly yellow with a dark tip, like the adult’s beak. However, whereas the adult beak is slender and pointed, the fledgling’s beak is noticeably thicker and blunter on the end. This is because the beak has not reached its full mature size yet.
Legs
A fledgling’s legs appear oversized for its body because they are still growing. The fledgling hops around the ground clumsily. The legs are smooth without scales, and yellow to flesh-colored in hue.
Eyes
The eyes of a fledgling are very round compared to the adult’s teardrop shape. They have black pupils and yellowish rims, often appearing wide-eyed. The area of bare skin around the eye, known as the eye ring or eye crescent, may look puffy or swollen.
Activity
Fledgling robins hop along the ground and flap their wings frequently as they build flight strength. However, they cannot fly all that well yet compared to adults. Fledglings appear very active and restless, demanding food from parents with loud cheeping or worming. They may flutter up to low branches or roof edges.
Range
You’re most likely to see fledgling robins from May to July across North America, which coincides with the breeding season. However, the exact timeframe depends on latitude and climate. Robins can raise multiple broods per breeding season across their wide range.
Behavior
Fledglings beg loudly and incessantly for food from parents and may continue begging even when fed. They often appear in groups of 3-5 fledglings, staying close together for safety. Fledglings may chase parents persistently when begging. When resting, they fluff out their body feathers and sit very still.
Parental Care
For the first few weeks after leaving the nest, fledgling robins still depend on their parents to find food and protect them. The parents roost with fledglings at night and shade them from sun and rain during the day. By late summer, the young birds disperse to establish their own territories.
Predator Avoidance
To avoid predators like cats and hawks, fledglings stay low in dense shrubs and bushes. Their speckled brown plumage helps camouflage them. If a predator approaches, they may freeze in place or flee on foot.
Development
Over 2-4 weeks after fledging, the young robin’s flight skills strengthen, its tail grows longer, its red breast plumage comes in, and it gains independence. Juvenile robins may start flocking together in late summer before migrating south in the fall.
Differences From Adult Robins
Here is a quick overview of how fledgling robins differ from adult robins in appearance:
| Fledgling Robin | Adult Robin |
|---|---|
| Smaller body size | Full-grown size |
| Fluffy, downy plumage with buff-brown spots | Smooth, sleek feathers with bright red breast |
| Clumsy hopping gait | Graceful walking and flying |
| Constant begging calls | Varied songs and alarm calls |
| Dependent on parents | Independent adults |
Common Locations
Here are some of the places you are most likely to spot fledgling robins in spring and summer:
- On the ground in yards, parks, fields, and forests
- In shrubs and bushes
- On fences, roofs, and low branches
- Along woodland trails and tree lines
- Outside your home or office building
Look for them hopping on lawns, flitting near woods, perching on branches or fence rails, and foraging in leaf litter. Listen for the incessant begging calls of hungry fledglings.
What to Do If You Find a Fledgling
It’s best to leave fledgling robins alone and avoid interfering with them or their parents. Here are some tips if you find a fledgling robin:
- Don’t assume it’s helpless or needs rescuing. Fledglings are still dependent but able to survive outside the nest at this stage.
- Let the parents care for it. They are likely nearby watching over it.
- Avoid touching or disturbing the fledgling as much as possible.
- If it’s in potential danger, move it gently to a nearby bush or safe area.
- Don’t remove fledglings from the area or take them home.
With the parents’ care, the fledgling will learn to thrive and fly within a few weeks. If you find an injured fledgling, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for help.
Fun Facts About Fledgling Robins
- Robins usually fledge 10-16 days after hatching.
- Fledglings leave the nest up to 2 days before they can actually fly.
- Their parents continue to feed them for 2-4 weeks after fledging.
- At birth, robins have no feathers and their eyes are closed. They are altricial birds.
- Some robins become mottled with white feathers as adults due to leucism, a condition similar to albinism.
- Groups of fledglings are called a clutch.
Conclusion
In summary, fledgling robins can be identified by their stubby tail, scruffy brown plumage, oversized feet and legs, noisy begging, and clumsy hopping on the ground. They differ from adults in their smaller size, puffy feathers, lack of red breast, and inability to fly well. With time and care from the parents, the fledglings will soon grow into independent juvenile robins. Keep an eye and ear out for these变量和鸟类在你的花园或小城镇的公园!
