Robins, often associated with winter, actually stay in the UK year-round and can struggle to survive in summer. These cheerful birds begin seeking mates in autumn, making them more visible in colder months, but during July they stay near nests to raise chicks and often find it difficult to locate enough food in hot weather.
Why Robins Struggle in Summer
Earthworms are the primary food source for robins, but during heatwaves they burrow deeper into dry soil, making them inaccessible. This can leave robins starving or even cause heatstroke as they search for food. According to Rachel Hoskins from the Woodland Trust, gardeners can help by providing the right nourishment.
Best Foods for Robins
Hoskins recommends: “Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms, place it outside and wait for the robins to arrive.” Mealworms are ideal as they are rich in protein, giving adult and young birds energy to survive hot weather. They can be purchased at most supermarkets in the pet aisle. Soaking dried mealworms in water helps keep birds hydrated.
Alternatively, soft fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, or raisins can be offered. Chop them into tiny pieces and soak briefly to soften. Robins have slender beaks and prefer soft foods like small seeds, including sunflower hearts.
Avoid Harmful Foods
Bread and stale leftovers should never be given, as they lack nutritional value and can cause choking in chicks. Suet lard balls, while loved by robins, melt quickly in summer heat and may spread disease, so they are not recommended during this season.
Additional Tips
Providing a shallow dish of water is also beneficial. Clean bird feeders weekly to prevent disease transmission. With thoughtful feeding, gardeners can make a real difference in helping robins thrive through the challenging summer months.
