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Nesting Robin Behavior
Name: Tim B.
Status: other
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999-2001
Question:
A Robin pair nested adjacent to our deck. When the nest
was built the weather was not favorable for us to use our deck. We noticed
the
pair only after their 'barking' when we would be out on the deck.
Soon we noticed the nest and eventually she laid three eggs.
Within two days of laying all the eggs were gone. No shells or any
evidence of nest damage. No squirrels or other animals inhabit our
area. Is it possible that the hen can squat and pick up an egg
and fly elsewhere? It appeared a new nest was near, as again,
any time in the yard was met with a defensive pair of robins.
Replies:
The female robin can not carry the eggs once they are laid. Some other
animal such as a raccoon or opossum are able to take the eggs. We have no
idea where you live in the World for "robins" are found in all continents,
but if snakes are around, they too will take the eggs. Some birds will as
well, the Blue Jay and crow will rob nests and carry the eggs in their beaks,
so will other predatory bird species depending upon where you live. Robins will
re-nest a number of times if the nest is disturbed. Humans are a common cause
of nesting failures.
Steve Sample
No, the robins could not move the eggs. A snake is often a prime suspect
when there is no evidence of shells or other damage, since they swallow eggs
whole, and are common nest predators. Other possibilities are some birds
like crows that might carry away eggs leaving no remains. Many things can
happen, these are only likely possibilities.
J. Elliott
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Update: June 2012
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