The Robin Condominium

South Puget Sound, WA(Zone 8a)

Sometime last week, I noticed my indoor cats surprisingly absent from their usual perches in the south facing windows. Looking around the house for them, I noticed that both of them were oddly stationed at a side door looking on, transfixed, while a parade of Robins took turns ferrying nesting materials to several alcoves under an upper deck on the house. At first glance it appeared as though the robins just couldn't agree on where to build, so were building everywhere. After days of looking on, it now seems as though there are several different pairs doing the construction. At this point there are five pretty developed nests right next to each other along the beam.

Does this seem like odd robin behavior?

Thumbnail by galega
Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Found this:

"When females are not mating, they are building nests. The American Robin has an unusual instinct to build many nests. Usually, only one or two are completed, but when Robins are not busy foraging or mating, they choose to build nests" - http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/vecase/Behavior/Spring2007/Frohman/Page05.html

Resin

Putnam County, IN(Zone 5b)

HUH....that is weird & interesting information!

South Puget Sound, WA(Zone 8a)

Yes - it is weird. Sounds sort of like bird OCD. Very interesting article - thanks for that link!
I have seen two different birds occupying the nests at the same time, but I couldn't tell if they were both females since it was at dusk. I'll keep watching.

I appreciate your expertise, Resin. You were the one to help me ID that partial albino robin in the yard a few years back.

Manzanita, OR(Zone 8b)

This is very interesting Resin. I would have guessed there were several different females building their nests close to others.

Thanks Galega, it's always nice to learn new things about birds. Hope you do end up with a family in the future.

The Ozarks, MO(Zone 5b)

Very interesting about the Robins...I hope one of them becomes a real nest. You will have a birds-eye view to take pics and share with us!!

Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

It could perhaps be a decoy - build lots of empty nests, and nest robbers (e.g. squirrels) will get bored with inspecting every nest for content to steal.

That's just guessing though

Resin

The Ozarks, MO(Zone 5b)

Good place for the Cowbirds to lay their eggs too if they are decoys.

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