Know your Louisiana wildlife: Episode 3
A Male American Robin forages for earthworms and ground-dwelling insects outside the 307th Bomb Wing headquarters building at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 1, 2011. For many people, robins are a definite sign that spring has arrived, and they are one of the most familiar species for birdwatchers. A large, sturdy songbird with long legs, a light yellowish bill and a long tail, the Robin has a rusty-orange breast and a dark gray-brown back. When they are not breeding, robins tend to form large flocks, and often feed in trees that produce berries. However, while breeding, they will forage on the ground. Robins form monogamous pair bonds that last throughout the breeding season. For the most part, females perform the nest building, although the males may help. Robin’s nests are typically constructed on the horizontal branch of a tree, 6-25 feet from the ground, made of fine grass and twigs, held together with mud. The female typically lays 4 pale blue eggs and incubates them alone. Both parents feed the young and will aggressively defend the nest. They are one of the first birds to begin singing in the morning, and one of the last to be heard at night. With the right trees or shrubs, and a yard full of food and water, Robins could be nesting in your backyard. Numerous species of animals, birds and reptiles make their homes in the area. Barksdale Airmen take pride in maintaining a base that is animal friendly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)