American Robin

Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Turdidae

American Robin

Brief Description

A large, North American thrush known for its cheerful song and orange breast. Often seen hopping on lawns searching for worms.

Additional Information

  • Region of Origin: North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada to central Mexico and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Typical Sighting Period: Common year-round throughout much of the U.S.; specifically known as a herald of spring in northern regions.
  • Plumage Details: Adults have a gray-brown back, a warm orange or reddish breast, and a dark head. Males are darker-headed than females. Juveniles have spotted breasts and paler plumage.
  • Ecological Significance: Significant as a disperser of seeds from the fruit it consumes and as a predator of soil invertebrates; also a key indicator of environmental health concerning pesticides.
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (Population increasing)
  • Observation Tips: Look for them on suburban lawns in the early morning or evening. They are easily spotted while they are foraging for earthworms or singing from high perches.

Size & Weight

Length: 20-28 cm; Wingspan: 31-40 cm; Weight: 72-94 g

Diet

Omnivorous; primarily earthworms and insects in spring and summer, switching to berries and fruits in fall and winter.

Habitat

Common in lawns, gardens, parks, woodlands, orchards, and forest edges.

Migration

Migratory or resident; many northern populations move south in winter, while southern populations may stay year-round or move nomadically in search of food.

Voice (Call & Song)

A musical, whistling song often described as 'cheery, carol, cheery, carol'. Calls include a sharp 'peek' and a 'tut-tut-tut' alarm call.

Nesting & Breeding

Builds a cup-shaped nest of grass, twigs, and mud usually on a tree branch or building ledge. Lays 3-5 sky-blue eggs.

Key Field Marks

Orange-red breast, white eye-ring, yellow bill with a dark tip, and dark gray-brown upperparts.

Similar Species

Varied Thrush (has a dark breast band), Spotted Towhee (has white spots on wings and red eyes).

Interesting Facts

The American Robin's blue eggs are so iconic that 'Robin’s egg blue' is a standard color name. They can eat large amounts of fermented berries, which can occasionally make them appear intoxicated.