One spring morning in my Arkansas yard, I witnessed a brief but intense standoff between two American Robins. As they foraged in the grass, one robin uncovered a large earthworm, only to have it immediately challenged by another.
American Robin Food Competition and Earthworm Theft
American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are common backyard birds, known for their cheerful songs and early-morning activity. However, they can be surprisingly assertive when it comes to food. In the first photo, two robins face off, one appearing to scold or shout at the other over the worm. The tension is obvious in their postures, with both birds locked in a standoff over the same prey.
Robin Steals Earthworm During Quick Backyard Encounter
In the second photo, the confrontation escalates. The robin on the left acts swiftly, snatching the earthworm while the other looks on. The moment is a clear example of how competitive even routine foraging can be. A bird’s hesitation, even for a second, can mean the loss of a meal.
Observing American Robin Behavior in My Yard
If you’re interested in seeing another example of robin aggression, check out this blog post about an American Robin territorial fight I photographed.
While robins often coexist peacefully, food can trigger brief conflicts, especially during the breeding season when feeding themselves and their young is critical. Moments like this remind me how much behavior we can observe just by watching our own yards.
Camera Settings:
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
Aperture: ƒ/8
Focal Length: 500.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/3200
ISO: 3200
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure Compensation: +1/3