You probably see robins in your backyard all the time.
You might even hear their distinctive “cheep, cheep” call almost daily.
They’re a common backyard bird, and many people enjoy watching their antics as they bravely hop about in the grass or fly from branch to branch.
A Question Robin lovers tend to ask and search for is – Can robins swim?
Keep reading for answers to that question and more about this interesting little bird!
Not many birds are as bold as the American Robin, which is why it’s so surprising to learn that this little red-breasted charmer cannot swim!
As it turns out, there are quite a few species of birds who cannot swim – an oddity given the aquatic nature of almost all other vertebrates.
But how can we be sure that robins cannot swim?
Let’s look at some more interesting facts about these beautiful birds…
Depending on the species of bird, they either have no need to swim, or they have natural anatomical adaptations that prevent them from being able to do so.
As far as robins are concerned, the inability to swim is simply a matter of choice.
There are no natural barriers preventing this bird from learning how to swim – they choose not to.
For robins and other non-swimmers, the most challenging aspect of swimming is simply keeping their heads above water.
If they were to submerge their heads, they would risk drowning.
Which other birds cannot swim?
Let’s find out
Which Bird Cannot Swim?
Given the aquatic nature of all other vertebrates, it may seem odd that some birds cannot swim.
But there are many species of birds that do not have the ability to swim.
Some of the most common non-swimming birds include cardinals, cardinal grosbeaks, blackbirds, bobolinks, orioles, and robins.
While there are some birds that cannot swim, there are also many species of birds that are excellent swimmers.
Ducks, for instance, are well-known for their aquatic nature.
Other aquatic birds include penguins, swans, pelicans, cormorants, loons, grebes, and some types of herons.
Which Birds Can Swim?
Ducks are one of the most common birds that can swim, but there are others as well.
Here are some of the other bird species that can swim: –
- Seagulls: Like ducks, seagulls are well-known for their aquatic nature. Seagulls are often seen at the beach, and some species of seagulls have even been known to swim inland a fair distance.
- Grebes: Grebes are aquatic birds with long legs and webbed feet that allow them to swim easily.
- Cormorants: Cormorants are large birds that have been known to swim great distances at a time.
- Penguins: Penguins are aquatic birds – they spend most of their time in the water.
- Pelicans: Like penguins, many types of pelicans are aquatic birds.
Should I Put Water Out For Robins?
You may have heard that robins need water to survive the winter months or that they often freeze to death in cold climates.
While it’s true that all birds need water to survive, there’s no need to put out water specifically for robins.
While robins do need water, they obtain it from the food they eat, just like other birds.
The same is true for all other birds, including those that cannot swim.
If you live in an area where winters are cold, there are other ways to help birds survive the winter than putting out water.
Providing shelter for birds, for instance, can help them survive the winter.
That being said, you can put out a birdbath for robins during the summer so that they can dip into the water if they wish to cool off or get a drink.
Of course, other birds will also be able to take advantage of this!
Final Thoughts – Can Robins Swim?
As it turns out, robins are not able to swim simply because they choose not to.
While this inability to swim can be dangerous at times, it also gives these birds one less thing to worry about as they try to survive in the wild.
You can help robins survive the winter by providing shelter for them or by putting out food (like suet) that will help them get through the cold months.
You can even make your yard more attractive to robins by planting native plants.
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