Nesting Trees for Robins

Evergreen and Deciduous

• The robin thrives across the North American continent. It often builds the first nest of the season within the protective evergreen needled branches of a conifer tree. The second or third nest the bird will construct in a deciduous tree, often a food-producing berry tree variety. The pair will use one or two horizontal tree branches to support the nest. The birds will usually try to provide the nest with some protection by camouflaging it beneath foliage overhang or in the dense area of the tree.

Nest Constuction

• The female chooses the ideal nesting tree. She constructs a cup-shaped nest that measures 6 to 8 inches across. The nest usually has a depth of 3 to 6 inches. She will use a combination of twigs, grasses and mud to form the cup. The mother robin lines the nest's interior with soft grasses to help cradle the eggs. She may also use pieces of moss or feathers to form a soft interior cushion. The nest helps provide insulation to the eggs and young. Most females will lay approximately four eggs per clutch, but may lay up to seven.

Nest Protection

• Robins often reuse nests constructed in a favorite nesting tree. Avoid disturbing any nesting tree to help encourage the robin to return to the same location year after year. During the nesting period, both the male and female will vigorously defend the tree and nest. Any disturbance will send the birds into a state of anxiety. The male robin, a staunch defender, will dive-bomb any humans or animals that get within 10 feet of the nesting tree, according to the University of Washington.

Nest Choices

• Highly adaptable, the robin will utilize a nesting box or platform located in an acceptable tree or affixed to the side of a building. To encourage robins to nest in the landscape, plant trees that help provide the birds with food and nesting haven. Choose crabapple trees, red cedar, apple trees, mountain ash, hawthorn and hackberry to place in the garden. Avoid using pesticides around the garden because they can adversely affect the robins.