American Robin Bird Facts (Turdus migratorius)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The American Robin is a medium-sized thrush with a round body, long legs, and a fairly long tail. Adults display a warm orange underside and breast, contrasting with a dark brown to gray back and head. Their throats are white with black streaks and have distinctive white eye crescents.

Males typically have brighter, more vivid coloration than females, especially on the head and breast. Juveniles are spotted on the breast, resembling other thrushes, before molting into adult plumage.

Size

Length

23cm to 28cm

Wingspan

31cm to 40cm

Weight

77g to 85g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Orange

Secondary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Orange

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The American Robin can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The American Robin can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The American Robin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The American Robin is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The American Robin can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The American Robin can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The American Robin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The American Robin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The American Robin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The American Robin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The American Robin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The American Robin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

American Robins are found across North America, from Alaska and Canada to central Mexico. They inhabit various environments, including woodlands, forests, tundra edges, and human-modified landscapes like parks, gardens, and agricultural areas.

While some populations in northern regions migrate south for winter, others are year-round residents, especially in the United States. Urban areas often see an increase in robin populations during colder months as birds seek food and shelter.

Elevation Range

1,200 to 3,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a American Robin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Canada Mexico Saint Pierre and Miquelon United States of America

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Cuba The Bahamas

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The American Robin displays considerable agility, adeptly hopping across lawns and manoeuvring through diverse habitats from forests to urban gardens. Their ability to catch insects and earthworms on the ground, coupled with their skill in navigating branches for nesting and foraging, demonstrates above-average agility for a medium-sized songbird.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong compared to larger birds, American Robins possess moderate strength for their size. They can carry nesting materials, defend territories, and manage the physical demands of migration. Their ability to consume up to 14 feet of earthworms daily suggests a robust physique for their size category.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

American Robins exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving across a wide range of habitats from 1,200 to 3,500 metres elevation. Their success in both natural and human-modified environments, coupled with their ability to shift diets seasonally and adjust to varying climates, demonstrates exceptional adaptability.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

During breeding season, male American Robins become notably territorial, engaging in spirited singing contests and defending nesting areas. However, they are generally not overly aggressive outside of this period, often forming sociable flocks in winter. Their moderate aggression is primarily context-dependent.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The American Robin's endurance is evidenced by its partial migratory behaviour, with some populations undertaking significant seasonal journeys. Their ability to produce up to three broods per year, coupled with their active foraging behaviour and adaptability to various elevations, indicates strong endurance for a bird of their size.

Diet

American Robins are omnivorous, with a diet that shifts seasonally. In spring and summer, they primarily consume earthworms and insects.

They switch to a fruit-heavy diet as autumn approaches, feasting on berries and other small fruits. This adaptability contributes to their widespread success.

Behaviour

American Robins are often seen hopping across lawns, cocking their heads as they search for earthworms.

They are social birds, frequently forming large flocks in winter. During breeding, males become territorial and engage in spirited singing contests, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Vocalisation

The American Robin's song is a series of clear whistles described as 'cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.'

They also produce a variety of calls, including a sharp 'peek' alarm call and a soft 'tuk-tuk-tuk' used in low-threat situations or during foraging.

Nesting & Breeding

American Robins typically breed between April and July. Males attract females with song and courtship displays, often including a 'courtship dance' on the ground.

Females construct cup-shaped nests using grass, twigs, and mud, often in tree forks or on human-made structures. They lay 3-5 distinctive blue eggs, known as 'robin's egg blue,' per clutch.

Incubation lasts about 14 days, with both parents sharing nestling care. Young robins fledge after about 14-16 days but remain dependent on parents for up to a month after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While American Robins are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and population, they face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse urban and suburban green spaces and promoting pesticide-free gardening practices.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

370,000,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Robin

Family:

Turdidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 6 years

Max Lifespan

17 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include domestic cats, hawks, owls, and snakes. Squirrels and larger birds often prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

American Robins can produce three successful broods in one year.
They have a specialized membrane that allows them to see magnetic fields, aiding in navigation during migration.
Robins can eat up to 14 feet of earthworms in a day.

References

1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Turdus migratorius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T103889499A139392811.
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2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
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4
website, 2003: Holmes and Ottinger, Birds as long-lived animal models for the study of aging, Exp Gerontol, 38:1365-1375
View source