Did you know that robins might listen for earthworms as well as look for them?
Most of a robin's hunting is done visually. As they hop around the lawn and cock their heads back and forth, they are looking for the tiny movements of soil and grass that worms make as they move beneath the surface. Biologists also think that robins may be able to hear the worms under the surface as well! Underground critters make tiny noises when they move, both from them moving against soil particles and soil particles rubbing against each other. It's thought that these noises (plus the visual cues) help robins pinpoint exactly where to poke into the soil to grab lunch!
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American Robin photo by Yann Kemper
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