Robin is a curious little bird who loves to eat all kinds of fruit. As an assistant knowledgeable about birds and nutrition, I can provide some quick answers about Robin’s favorite fruits.
Berries
Robins enjoy eating all types of berries. Here are some of the berries that Robin likes to eat:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
Berries provide Robins with essential vitamins and antioxidants. The bright colors of berries also help attract Robins to them as a food source.
Why Robins Like Berries
There are several reasons why Robins like to eat berries:
- Berries are small and easy for Robins to eat
- They are soft, so Robins don’t have to spend time breaking down hard foods
- Berries are nutritious, providing key vitamins and minerals
- They contain natural sugars that Robins can easily digest
- Berry bushes provide good shelter and habitat for nesting Robins
Worms and Insects
In addition to fruit, Robins also need protein from eating worms and insects. Some of the worms and insects that Robins eat include:
- Earthworms
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Beetles
- Ants
- Spiders
- Mealworms
Eating worms and insects provides Robins with needed protein and fat for energy. It also gives them important vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron. The movement of live prey helps stimulate a Robin’s visual and coordination skills while hunting.
How Robins Catch Worms and Insects
Robins have developed specialized hunting techniques to catch worms and insects:
- They scan the ground while walking, looking for any movement that indicates worms or insects
- They cock their head to listen for sounds that prey might make moving underground
- They chase insects through the air during flight
- They pull earthworms directly from the ground using their beaks
- They grab crawling caterpillars off of plants and trees
Their hunting skills allow Robins to adapt to different environments and catch a variety of worms and insects for food.
Fruits
In addition to berries, Robins enjoy eating larger fruits including:
- Cherries
- Oranges
- Apples
- Bananas
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Apricots
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
Fruits provide Robins with hydration and important vitamins like vitamin C. The blend of sweet and tart flavors appeals to a Robin’s taste buds.
Favorite Fruits of Robins
Of all the fruits, Robins tend to favor cherries and oranges the most:
- Cherries – Robins like the bright red color and sweet taste of ripe cherries. Cherries also have a soft texture that Robins can break down easily.
- Oranges – Robins enjoy the juicy flesh and citrus taste of oranges. The segments easily separate for a Robin to access the sugary pulp.
By planting cherry and orange trees, you can help attract more Robins to your yard and provide them with their favorite fruits.
Seeds and Nuts
Robins will supplement their diet with seeds and nuts including:
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Pecans
These foods give Robins an energy boost from the natural oils and fats. Cracking open shells and husks also exercises a Robin’s beak muscles and problem-solving skills.
Cracking Hard Seeds and Nuts
To open hard seeds and nuts, Robins will employ techniques like:
- Pinning the food down with their foot and hammering their beak down
- Gripping the item in their beak and hitting it against a branch
- Flying up into the air and dropping the food onto a hard surface
- Swallowing smaller seeds whole to crack them inside their gizzard
These methods allow Robins to access the nutritious meat inside. It keeps their beaks worn down and helps hone their natural engineering skills.
Mealworms
Robins also enjoy eating mealworms, especially when offered in bird feeders. Mealworms are the larval form of the mealworm beetle. They are a great source of protein for Robins.
There are a few reasons why Robins are attracted to mealworms:
- High in protein – Mealworms contain about 20% protein, which helps fuel Robins.
- Soft-bodied – Their exoskeleton is soft enough for Robins to easily digest.
- Movement triggers hunting instinct – The wriggling movements of mealworms trigger a Robin’s prey drive.
- Bright color – Mealworms have a bright yellow color that stands out against bird feeders.
- Convenient source – Mealworms can be purchased dried or alive at pet stores for an easy food source.
Offering mealworms is a great way to supplement a Robin’s natural diet and provide variation in their feedings.
Suet
Suet is made from animal fat and often fortified with seeds, nuts, and dehydrated fruit. It offers Robins a high-energy food source, especially in winter. There are a few reasons Robins are attracted to suet:
- High fat content – The concentrated fat provides substantial calories to maintain Robins’ energy levels in cold weather.
- Insect substitute – The fat mimics their natural insect diet and meets nutritional requirements.
- Energy reserves – Suet helps Robins build up necessary energy reserves for surviving harsh winters.
- Nutrients – Suet often contains nuts, seeds and fruits to provide a nutritional boost.
- Convenient – Suet feeders provide a readily accessible food source for Robins.
Suet is a beneficial supplemental food for Robins that can help support them through tough times when their natural food sources are scarce.
Conclusion
In summary, Robins enjoy a diverse diet of berries, worms, insects, fruits, seeds, nuts, mealworms and suet. Their preferences allow them to obtain a wide range of nutrients and energy sources. By understanding what fruit Robins eat, we can help provide food during different seasons and attract them to our outdoor spaces for their lively songs and vibrant colors.
