American Robin
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for robins on open lawns, especially after rain
- Listen for their cheerful 'cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily' song in early spring
- Observe berry-laden trees in winter for flocks of feeding robins
- Check parks and gardens with fruiting trees or shrubs
Additional Information
Predators
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Turdus migratorius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T103889499A139392811.
View source - 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website, 2003: Holmes and Ottinger, Birds as long-lived animal models for the study of aging, Exp Gerontol, 38:1365-1375
View source
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