Species Profile
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Robin
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Orange
- Legs
- Brown
Markings
Orange-red breast and belly
Tail: Black with white corners
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
Estimated: 370,000,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Stable[2]
Population stable, with some local fluctuations
Elevation
1,200 to 3,500 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 2.8cm x 2cm
- Predators:
- Main predators include domestic cats, hawks, owls, and snakes. Squirrels and larger birds often prey on eggs and nestlings.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, hissing noise
- Breeding age:
- 1
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Dawn and dusk
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, pesticides, and window collisions
- Parental care:
- Both parents feed chicks, with females solely incubating
- Primary calls:
- Cheerful song that sounds like 'cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up'
- Social habits:
- Often seen in groups, especially during migration
- Egg appearance:
- Blue, often without markings
- Feeding habits:
- Forages on the ground and in trees
- Breeding season:
- Spring to early summer
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with season and location
- Fledging period:
- 13-14 days
- Average lifespan:
- 2
- Call description:
- Varied, but often a repeated short whistle
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, with peak feeding times at dawn and dusk
- Nesting location:
- In trees, shrubs, or buildings
- Number of broods:
- One to three
- Incubation period:
- 12-14 days
- Nest construction:
- Made of grass, twigs, and mud
- Migration patterns:
- Migrates south in winter, returns north in spring
- Migratory patterns:
- Migrates to warmer climates during winter
- Age related changes:
- None
- Prey capture method:
- Runs and stops on the ground to listen for insects
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends territory during breeding season
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, usually for one season
- Special dietary needs:
- None
- Clutch characteristics:
- 3-5 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Generally sociable, but can be aggressive when defending territory
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
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.
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