What type of damage do American Robins inflict on fruit crops?

American Robins are known to be significant pests in fruit crops due to their feeding habits. They primarily consume fruit by pecking and eating it whole, which can lead to substantial damage to the fruit's yield and quality. When robins feed on berries and other fruits, they remove the flesh of the fruit, and this not only reduces the amount available for harvest but can also result in increased susceptibility to diseases and rot in the remaining fruit.

Their behavior can greatly impact both commercial fruit growers and home gardeners, as a large flock of robins can quickly deplete crops, leading to economic losses. While they may occasionally cause damage through other means, such as nesting in trees, the most direct and damaging interaction they have with fruit crops is through consuming the fruit itself.