Northwest Territories · Summer breeder

American Robins in Northwest Territories

When American are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.

Thrushes (Turdidae)American RobinTurdus migratorius
Status in Northwest Territories
Summer breeder
Nesting window
May–July
Broods
2–3 per season
Hardiness zones
Canada 0a–1a

When to expect American in Northwest Territories

American Robins are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on earthworms, beetle larvae and caterpillars.

Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.

Nesting in Northwest Territories

Across Northwest Territories, American typically nest from May–July. Nest site: mud-lined cup on a branch fork or ledge; uses open-front nest shelves. Females lay 3–5 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 13 days.

Brief summers with midnight sun.

  • American Robins don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
  • Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Northwest Territories plants that attract American

Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 8 provide food or cover American use:

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Pin cherry
Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood
Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Highbush cranberry
Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.

Western serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia · Shrub

Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.

Balsam fir
Abies balsamea · Tree

Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.

White spruce
Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Feeding American through the Northwest Territories year

Robins rarely eat seed. They come for water, lawn worms and winter fruit; many stay north all winter in flocks.

  • Best foods: Mealworms, Chopped apple and berries, Suet nuggets.
  • In Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for American · Best feeder for American

Frequently asked

Are American in Northwest Territories year-round?

No. American Robins are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.

When do American nest in Northwest Territories?

Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs May–July, with 2–3 per season. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.

What native plants attract American in Northwest Territories?

Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Western serviceberry, Balsam fir, White spruce are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for American.

American Robins in other regions

Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories

Sources

  1. American Robin — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. American Robin life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. American Robin — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — Northwest Territories
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. Audubon Native Plants Database

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.