Robins are a familiar backyard bird throughout most of North America. They have a distinctive reddish-orange breast and bright cheery song. However, not all robins stick around through the winter. Many robins that breed in northern latitudes migrate south to escape harsh winter conditions where food becomes scarce. Washington state is on the northern end of where robins regularly breed during the summer. While some robins may overwinter in western Washington’s milder coastal regions, most migrate south and can be found throughout the southern U.S. and down into Mexico for the winter months.
Why Do Robins Migrate?
Robins migrate due to seasonal changes that impact their ability to find food. Robins are dependent on insects and fruits/berries. As winter arrives, insects become scarce and snow cover makes it hard to forage fruits and berries from trees and shrubs. To escape these harsh conditions, robins migrate south to regions where the ground remains unfrozen and insects and fruit remain plentiful through the winter. Some robins may stick around backyard bird feeders in Washington during winter, subsisting on suet, mealworms and fruit when natural food gets scarce. However, most migrate to more hospitable climates for the winter months.
Wintering Range of Washington’s Robins
Many robins that breed in Washington state migrate south through Oregon and California and winter in the southern U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana as well as Mexico. Some migrate east across the Rocky Mountains to winter along the Gulf Coast. A smaller number winter in milder coastal regions of Oregon and California. Here are some details on where Washington’s migratory robins can be found during the winter months:
Southwestern U.S.
The southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas host huge populations of overwintering robins each year. Mild weather and plentiful juniper berries and other fruits in this region provide ideal winter habitat. Urban areas with berry-producing shrubs and trees are also favored.
Southeastern U.S.
Some robins migrate east of the Rocky Mountains and across the Great Plains to winter along the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida where insect numbers remain high enough to provide ample food.
Mexico
Mexico is a major wintering ground for many robin populations across the western U.S. Southern Mexico has ideal winter habitat where robins find plentiful insects and fruit. Central Mexican highlands and agricultural areas also host huge numbers of overwintering robins.
Pacific Northwest
While most robins migrate out of Washington, some may overwinter along coastal areas west of the Cascades where winters are more mild. Abundant berry-producing trees and shrubs help sustain these non-migratory populations. Urban areas and bird feeders also help provide food.
Migration Route from Washington
Robins follow well-established migratory routes or “flyways” between their breeding and wintering grounds. Here is a typical southbound path a robin from Washington might take in the fall:
- Head south through Oregon and Northern California
- Pass through Central California valley
- Follow the Colorado River south through Arizona into Mexico
- Winter in western or southern Mexico
In spring, they reverse this route back north to breeding territories in Washington. Early migrating robins start arriving back by late February and March. Migration peaks in April and May as most birds return to nest and raise young.
Some robins follow an easterly migratory route:
- East from Washington across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
- Southeast through Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas
- To wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast
Why Do Robins Migrate at Night?
Most robin migration happens at night when birds are active and winds are calmer. Several factors explain why robins migrate after dark:
- Cooler temperatures prevent overheating during long flights
- Winds are often calmer at night
- Less turbulence allows for more efficient long-distance flight
- Predators are less active at night
Weather radar has given insights into night migration patterns and altitudes of robins on the move. While some daytime migratory movements occur, optimal conditions for efficient long-distance flights happen after dark.
Do Young Robins Migrate Separately?
Young robins generally migrate separately from adults and take their time working their way south. Adults are often in a rush to reach wintering grounds first to establish territories with reliable food sources. Meanwhile, juveniles tend to migrate in loose flocks, stopping frequently when food is abundant. Their migration is more leisurely and less direct. Many young robins spend their first winter further north before making the complete trip south in subsequent years. Banding studies show young robins migrate through areas adults have already passed through.
What Triggers the Spring Migration?
Increasing daylight hours appear to be the primary trigger causing robins to migrate north in spring. Robins preparing to migrate become hyperactive, defending territories aggressively and eating voraciously to store fat needed for the long migration ahead. Warm southerly winds and early spring insect hatches further signal it’s time to migrate. Older birds with experience migrating north lead the way, followed later by younger birds. Males often migrate first to claim the best breeding territories before females arrive.
Do Washington Robins Have Different Wintering Areas?
Robins that breed in eastern and western parts of Washington likely use different wintering grounds. Those in inland areas east of the Cascades may migrate to the southeast U.S. rather than southwest. Coastal populations likely fly south down the Pacific Coast then inland through California to the desert southwest. Banding data shows robins return to the same nesting sites each spring, so migration routes are established based on their breeding territory locations.
Climate Change Effects on Migration
Some research indicates robins are delaying spring migration and advancing fall migration in response to climate change trends. Milder winters with less snow may allow some robins to shorten migration distances and winter closer to their breeding territories. Warmer weather may also extend the nesting season, with possible impacts on migration timing. More monitoring is needed to better understand long-term changes.
Conclusion
Most robins leave Washington in fall to overwinter in milder climates further south where food remains abundant. While some young birds may linger, the majority migrate through California and the desert southwest to Mexico. A smaller number fly southeast to the Gulf Coast. Return migration starts in early spring, led by older birds who arrive first to claim prime nesting spots. Changing climate conditions may shift migration patterns over time. Tracking bird populations and migration timing helps assess long-term impacts. Robins continue to be one of the most widespread and recognizable migratory songbirds throughout North America thanks to their resilience and ability to adapt to winter in suitable habitats far from their breeding territories.
