Are the Robin Red Breast Birds nocturnal? Should we leave a porch light on as usual or will it disturb them?

Question

Are the Robin Red Breast Birds nocturnal? Should we leave a porch light on as usual or will it disturb them?

Answer 1

Robins are diurnal - active during the day.   However, they wake up long before sunrise.

Go ahead and leave your light on...unless they are nesting in the fixture.   There is no need to change your routine.  If they are nesting near the light, and it's a problem - they will nest elsewhere in the future.

The light has more to do with your safety.  If you need the light on - leave it on.   Otherwise, you may want to turn it off to save energy.

Very kind of you to be concerned about the birds!

Answer 2

They are not nocturnal it will disturb them

Answer 3

no

Answer 4

Robins are not nocturnal and you shouldn't leave your porch light on at night.  Artificial light disturbs all animals' biorythms.  Recent studies have cited problems with many types of animals (migrating birds, bats, snakes, sea turtles, etc.) and even plants exposed to artificial light at night (known as light pollution).  It is also known to cause problems for people, especially children.  

I recently gave a presentation on light pollution's effects on wildlife at our local observatory.