Ever Wondered Why Robins Avoid Your Bird Feeders? You Might Be Making This Common Mistake

Robins are the most cherished backyard birds. But unlike other birds, they are repelled by bird seeds in your feeders.

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A woman and a child holding a Robin. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Santiago Urquijo)

Among all, there are a few species of birds, including sparrows, finches, doves, and more, that are quite a common presence in our daily lives. These birds are often spotted around our home gardens, neighborhood parks, and on any random tree across the streets. Watching them every day can also make you feel more connected to nature. Therefore, people are now showing their concern about why Robins are rarely showing up at the bird feeders placed in their homes. Robins are one of the most popular and beloved backyard birds in households, but unlike sparrows or any other birds, they don’t eat seeds, which probably explains their absence from the usual birdseed mix.

An adult robin in an English garden. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Pauline Lewis)

However, with just a few simple changes, you can once again enjoy the cheerful presence of robins throughout the year. These birds love eating worms, beetles, snails, and a few other insects, especially during the warmer months. On rainy days, during the morning hours, they often search the ground as it is the easiest time to find worms. So, if you want them nearby or in your backyard, you definitely have to keep your space as natural as you can, as reported by Country Living. Make a note that you never use lawn chemicals, as they kill the insects and worms.

European robin bird eating a worm on a wooden ground (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Wirestock) — European robin bird eating a worm. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Wirestock)

Another smart way to welcome robins is by leaving a few piles of fallen leaves, as it is, in your backyard. These fallen leaves become a home for insects, giving robins and other bug-eating birds an easy place to find food. As reported by Birds & Blooms, birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman spoke about the issue and said, “Robins aren’t typical feeder guests, but there are some things you can try. It’s best to place an open tray feeder near one of the berry-producing trees frequented by the robins and stock it with raisins, apple slices, or other fruit. You can also offer mealworms or suet.”

They added, “But it’s normal for flocks of robins to be nomadic in winter, wandering long distances and stopping when they find a natural food source. Once they’ve depleted the local berry supply, most likely they’ll be off in search of the next berry crop instead of sticking around at feeders.” This can be a very helpful piece of information because during the colder months, these backyard birds often gather in groups to feast on berries from trees and shrubs. So, it can be a great step if you plant winter-fruiting trees like hawthorn, dogwood, or chokecherry.

European Robin in Winter Landscape with Feeder. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Laurent Chaulacel)

The experts also shared, “Robins are not commonly attracted to feeders, but sometimes an individual will key in on a feeder offering mealworms, raisins, suet, or even grape jelly, and will start visiting it regularly.” This is because during the winter months, we don’t usually see a lot of worms on the surface. Moreover, if you stay in an area that experiences freezing winters, a little corner with a heated birdbath can attract robins who might be looking for some warmth. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the sweet, melodic songs of robins, especially in the early morning.

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