AMERICAN ROBIN: Parenting

The first Bird of Spring in North America is usually an American Robin. In many areas, her song of “Cheerily cheer-up cheerio” heralds the coming of spring. Hopping across people’s lawns, She cocks her head searching for spring Worms. American Robin’s morning activities provided the basis for the saying: “The early bird gets the worm”.

Usually a Bird of the woods, American Robin is often seen in towns as well. Since She can flourish among humans, American Robin is found in many places. Because of her adaptability, She has the distinction of being the only Thrush in North America.

Each year, American Robin will return to repair the same nest. Sometimes, She will share a nest with a family of Finches. Both species will feed all of the young Chicks. In addition, American Robin keeps her nest clean by eating the Chicks’ feces. When her Youngsters are ready to fledge, Father American Robin watches over them.

Vigilant in protecting their nest, Father and Mother American Robin will reject Cowbird eggs laid there. With alarm calls, the Parents will inform each other of approaching intruders. For the sake of their Eggs, Both Parents will dive bomb cats and humans.

Father and Mother American Robins are good parents. While Father watches over their Fledglings, Mother prepares for the next brood. Also, during the nesting, Father American Robin will incubate their eggs to allow Mother American Robin a break. They take turns in guarding their nest. American Robins show how to parent effectively through cooperation.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers Enterprises

THE THRUSH FAMILY (TURIDAE): “Do Not Borrow Worry”

Determining which Bird is a Thrush (or not) is an exercise in futility. Ornithologists are constantly debating over what makes a Bird a “Thrush”. Depending on new DNA findings and interpretations, the number of members of this Family expands and contracts. For example, now considered to be a Flycatcher, European Robin was once a member of this Family. However, noted Thrushes that remain are Eurasian Blackbird, American Robin, and Nightingale.

What these small plump Birds have in common are their beautiful songs. In addition, people are very familiar with Thrushes since these Birds live in cities. They often see Thrushes hopping about in parks, looking for food. Cocking their heads, Thrushes wait for Worms to appear.

Going about their business, Thrushes care little about how They are defined. Hunting for worms and singing through the day, They go about their lives. These unassuming Birds focus on what They need to do, unconcerned about what others call Them. Thrushes do not borrow worry from others.

European Robin (Robin Redbreast): Inner Fierceness

From his tree branch, European Robin cheerfully sings through the day. In the woods, his rich fluted warbling songs can be often heard. While singing at twilight, European Robin is often mistaken for Nightingale.

Singing loudly is how this small Bird defends his territory. European Robin warns others of his presence with his songs. If they ignore Him, then He will boldly attack anyone who comes near.

European Robin’s boldness extends to looking for food among Wild Boars. In addition, He will nest near people: in their flower pots, umbrella stands, or window ledges. His audacity makes European Robin sacred to Thor, the Norse God of Thunder.

His red breast marks European Robin as THE ROBIN. All other Birds with red breasts who were discovered later are called “Robin”. However, these other Birds are not often relatives of European Robin.

European Robin’s name has an interesting history. From a custom of adding human names to animals, “Robin” was added to Redbreast in the 15th Century. Meanwhile, in the United States, European Robin was called English Robin to differentiate Him from their American Robin. (The North American Robin is a Thrush, while European Robin is a member of the Flycatcher Family.)

Because of his red breast, European Robin is often associated with Christ. When this Bird tried to comfort Jesus on the Cross, his breast became covered with Christ’s blood. In another story, European Robin was pierced in his breast when He tried to remove the Crown of Thorns from Christ’s head.

In addition, people also associate European Robin with the dead. If He comes across an unattended body, European Robin will cover it with leaves and moss. In Purgatory, He fetches water for thirsty souls. When European Robin tried to quench the fires of Hell, his breast was burned.

Tiny European Robin possesses inner fierceness. He tried to put out the fires Hell by Himself. He walks among Wild Boars searching for earthworms. European Robin is rewarded for his inner fierceness by being a companion of Thunder Gods. However, do not become so aggressive that you are a tiny terror.