Snake-catcher Robin

[Christopher Miller]

I was going through some of my old photos and came across these pictures of a robin that I had taken last spring. The quality isn't the greatest, but I was amazed to see that this robin had captured a small garter snake (at the time of capture, I think I had merely assumed it was a large earthworm). Is it common for robins to catch snakes? Has anyone else ever observed this?

[Christopher Miller]

Here's a second photo from the series. The snake is lying on the ground to the right of the robin.

[Dave Leroy]

Interesting behaviour Chris. I have never seen it before. Good catch for both you and the Robin.
Dave

[Declan Troy]

Hi Christopher,

I'm not sure how common it is but it is certainly well know. A quick look turned up four articles about the topic.:

Davis, W. F. 1969. Robin kills snake. Wilson Bull. 81:470-471.

Erickson, D. B. 1978. Robin feeding upon snake. Murrelet 59:26.

Netting, M. G. 1969. Does the robin eat DeKay's snake? Wilson Bull. 81:471.

Richmond, M. L. 1975. American Robin feeds garter snake to its nestlings. Wilson Bull. 8752.

I imagine if a Robin comes across a suitably small snake it will go for it.

[Julie Kenward]

So that's why I didn't have any garter snakes in my yard this year...I had Robins all OVER the place. How interesting...I'll have to keep my eyes out for this next spring.

[Arthur Morris]

Pretty darned cool. Did you see the bird eat the snake????

[Christopher Miller]

Artie, I don't think I saw the robin eat the snake, but I can't remember for sure.