<P> Juvenile robins and eggs are preyed upon by squirrels, snakes, and some birds, such as blue jays, Steller's jay, common grackles, American crows, and common ravens . Adults are primarily taken by Accipiter hawks, cats, dogs, and larger snakes (especially rat snakes). They may be taken by nearly every variety of North American accipitrid, from the smallest, the sharp - shinned hawk, to one of the two largest, the golden eagle, most every North American falcon from the smallest, the American kestrel, to the largest, the gyrfalcon, and almost all owl species from northern pygmy owls to snowy owls . Overall, 28 raptorial bird species are known to hunt robins . Adult robins are most vulnerable when distracted by breeding activities though may also be attacked on the ground or even in flight . However, when feeding in flocks, the American robin is able to remain vigilant and watch other flock members for reactions to predators . </P> <P> The American robin is known to be a rejecter of cowbird eggs, so brood parasitism by the brown - headed cowbird is rare . Even when it occurs, the parasite's chick does not normally survive to fledging . In a study of 105 juvenile robins, 77.1% were infected with one or more species of endoparasite, with Syngamus species the most commonly encountered, found in 57.1% of the birds . </P> <P> The American robin begins to breed shortly after returning to its summer range . It is one of the first North American bird species to lay eggs, and normally has two to three broods per breeding season, which lasts from April to July . </P> <P> The nest is most commonly located 1.5--4.5 m (4.9--14.8 ft) above the ground in a dense bush or in a fork between two tree branches, and is built by the female alone . The outer foundation consists of long coarse grass, twigs, paper, and feathers . This is lined with smeared mud and cushioned with fine grass or other soft materials . A new nest is built for each brood, and in northern areas the first clutch is usually placed in an evergreen tree or shrub while later broods are placed in deciduous trees . The American robin does not shy away from nesting close to human habitation and will frequently construct nests under eaves or awnings on human homes when such locations provide adequate shelter . Robins are not cavity nesters, and so will generally not use a bird house, but will take advantage of artificial nesting platforms . </P>

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