Ways That Robins Find Worms

Sight

• The robin has good eyesight that enables it to pick up the slightest movement when searching for worms on the ground. It can do this while flying through the air or while hopping along the ground. The robin's large eyes are positioned on the sides of the robin's head, and work independently of one another. This is referred to as monocular vision and allows the robin to tilt its head to the side to pinpoint a worm, while the other eye looks out for predators. The robin's eyesight also helps it to see well in the low light of the early morning, when worms are at their most active.

Strong Bill

• Robins can often be seen stabbing the ground to get at worms that are underground. To do this efficiently, the robin has a strong bill that is suited to digging into the earth. The strong bill also helps the robin to drag the worm from its hole once it has found it. Earthworms will often struggle, making it a challenge for the robin to pull it free.

Rain

• Worms will often come to the earth's surface from the protection of their underground holes when it begins to rain. The worms know it is raining when they feel the vibrations of rain drops landing on the ground. Going to the surface is an instinctive behavior that saves the worms from drowning, should the earth become waterlogged. The robin will take advantage of this by hunting for worms during or after it has been raining.

Gardeners

• Robins have been known to be attracted to people gardening in their backyards in the hope of finding worms. This is because any type of vibration can bring worms to the earth's surface, just as it does when it rains. While gardening, an individual might mow the lawn, which is one activity that can send vibrations through the earth, according to Wild Birds Unlimited. Robins will then wait around for the worms to surface.