Birding Red Robins IN Massachusetts and Connecticut – Complete Guide

Red Robins In Massachusetts: Birders in the Bay State and Connecticut can rely on this guide for details about American Robins in the area!

Birders and avian enthusiasts affectionately refer to the American Robin as the ‘Red Robin,’ at times. That’s thanks to the reddish-orange patch on the species’ breasts. It’s not just the Robin’s vivid coloring that makes it a favorite among birdwatchers. As a songbird species, Robins are outstanding vocalists. In fact, if you listen carefully enough, you can catch a male Red Robin’s song right before the sunsets.

Robins are also the most abundant bird species in North America. But, if you’re a birder who wants to learn more about Red Robins season Massachusetts or Connecticut – you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the striking physical attributes of American Robins, migration patterns, and much more!

Red Robins – How To Identify Them?

If you’ve been searching up terms like – Red Robins Identification Massachusetts – you might want to pay attention here. That’s because this section will focus on what American Robins look like.

You can identify Robins, thanks to their reddish-orange bellies, dark grey backs, and black heads. Males of the species are more vividly colored than females. And juveniles will often sport little color, with mottled grey backs and spotted chests. Robins have yellow-colored bills that are made to help them munch down berries or worms.

Consequently, it’s pretty easy to see where the nickname – Red Robin comes from. But, did you know who came up with it? Early European settlers who were feeling a little homesick saw the species and named it after the European Robin – because of similar colors. Here’s the thing, though.

There’s little connection (or relation) between the American and the European Robin. The latter belong to the Old World flycatcher family. Whereas the American Robin is a member of the Turdidae or Thrush family.

Red Robin Migration And Breeding Grounds

The American Robin’s range clocks in at a whopping 6,200,000 sq mi, so calling it extensive is very accurate. Robins breed throughout different parts of the Northern United States, including regions like Alaska, Florida, Mexico, etc.

Red Robins are partially migratory. Some of the species spend winters in northern parts of the United States. However, some numbers also flock to Mexico and along the Pacific Coast.

Red Robins will begin migrating towards warmer locales by August and make their return around March – just in time for spring.

So what does that mean for birdwatchers in the Northeastern States like Massachusetts and Connecticut? It means they have a pretty good shot at observing Red Robins all year round.

Birders in these two states likely don’t have to stress about Red Robins in Massachusetts Migration. That’s because not all Robins are seasonal migrants and their breeding grounds cover almost all of the United States.

Of course, if you really want to observe Robins in all their glory, springtime’s the best bet. But, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to spot Robins in the Bay State and the Nutmeg State during winters – if you look close enough.

Types Of Red Robins In Massachusetts And Connecticut

Here’s the thing. Talking about the sub-species of American Robins can get a little tricky because they’re not very clearly defined. What that means is, there are about seven recognized subspecies of the Red Robin, but there’s plenty of intergradation.

If you’re unaware of intergradation, it’s a term to describe how two sub-species are connected through regions where relevant populations are found and share similar characteristics. For birding folks like us, that means there’s not enough information on these Robin sub-species for a clear identification or distinction. Not unless you’re a zoologist or ornithologist.

Nonetheless, we put on our Sherlock caps and discovered three Robin subspecies, birders over in the New England States can keep a watch for. And here’s what they are:

• Eastern Robin

The Eastern Robin (also known as T. m. migratorius) frequents regions of New England in the Northeastern United States, along with Alaska, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. The subspecies also tend to migrate to areas of Southern Canada.

• Southern Robin

The Southern Robin (T. m. achrusterus) has breeding grounds in Maryland, Western Virginia, and Oklahoma. That’s why it’s likely some of this subspecies may frequent parts of Massachusetts or Connecticut during the springtime. You can tell the Southern Robin apart from its Eastern counterpart due to its paler underbelly and light grey feather tips around the forehead and crown.

How To Attract Red Robins To Your Lawn

Red Robins season CT. and other parts of New England rolls around during the spring. From March onwards, the Robins who make their way to warmer parts of the US make their way back to their breeding grounds.

If you’re interested in attracting American Robins to your backyard, you can start prepping at the end of winter. Robins are omnivores, but their diets change depending on the weather. During spring and summertime, the species’ diet consists of earthworms, grub beetles, caterpillars, etc.

The best way to attract Robins to your lawn during the spring and summer is to put out a fresh tray of mealworms. Doing so may attract other species too. If you repeat the process enough times, you’ll have Robins flocking your yard in no time.

Red Robins like to feast on berries around wintertime when grub is in short supply. The best way to ensure Robins frequent your garden during this time is to plant berry shrubs and trees. For example, plants like hackberry, juniper, serviceberry, etc., are all great options. What’s more, they’re also good for your garden, so it’s a win-win for you.

Read more about Blue Jays Predators – Animals To Watch Out For

Conclusion

We’re at the end of our Red Robins in Massachusetts and Connecticut Guide. And, we’re hoping birders from the region have enough info to know when to look out for the species.

Being one of the most common birds of the United States, Ameican Robins are pretty easy to sight from March onwards. All you have to do is have a tray of mealworms ready, and you’ll have the species flocking to you in no time!