American Robin

The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird of the true thrush genus. It is not closely related to the European robin but shares its reddish-orange breast, which led to its name. This bird is a familiar sight across North America, often seen hopping across lawns or perched on branches.

Identification Tips

Adult American robins have a distinctive reddish-orange breast, a brown back, and a yellow bill with a dark tip. The head can range from jet black to gray, with white eye arcs and supercilia. Females are generally duller than males, and juveniles are paler with dark spots on their breasts.

Habitat

The American robin occupies a variety of habitats, from woodlands to urban gardens and parks. It adapts well to human presence, often nesting close to houses and other buildings.

Distribution

This bird is widespread throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada down to northern Florida and Mexico. It migrates seasonally, with most birds wintering in the southern United States and Mexico.

Behaviour

Robins are diurnal, foraging mainly on the ground for invertebrates and fruits. They are social birds, especially in winter when they roost in large flocks. During the breeding season, they become territorial.

Song & Calls

The American robin's song is a melodious, cheery carol composed of repeated phrases. It sings mostly at dawn and dusk. The bird also has a variety of calls for communication, including alarms when threatened.

Breeding

Breeding begins shortly after the robins return to their summer range. They typically have two to three broods per season, with the female constructing a mud-lined nest in a tree or bush. Eggs are a distinctive cyan color.

Similar Species

The American robin can be confused with other thrushes, but its size, coloration, and behavior are usually distinctive enough for identification.

Diet and Feeding

Robins eat a mix of invertebrates like earthworms and insects, as well as fruits and berries. They are known for their behavior of running and stopping on lawns to listen and look for worms.

Conservation status

The American robin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is one of the most abundant landbirds in North America, with a stable population trend and a large, extensive range.