I have seen robins descend upon a holly tree and strip it of every berry. The American Robin (turdus migratorius) (according to my garden magazine ) eats beetle grubs, caterpillars, worms and grasshoppers. They also disperse fruit and berry seeds from eating berries.

Since robins feed mostly from suburban lawns, the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology notes that a dead robin can be an indicator of chemical pollution. A study by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center found higher levels of lead in the blood of suburban robins than in that of rural robins. Lead, left over from leaded gasoline and paint and herbicides contaminate the dirt robins - and other birds- ingest while dining on worms and insects. Insecticides applied to plants indirectly kill birds who eat insects and berries. Insecticides and herbicides upset the natural balance. --Vonnie