Turdus migratorius
female
The American Robin is an iconic songbird. The sexes are subtly dissimilar. Adult males have a gray-brown back, rump, and wings. The dark head has bold white “eyelids” framing the eye, and a dark-streaked white throat. The tail is dark brown, and the underparts are brick red with white on the lower belly and undertail. Reddish underwing coverts can be seen in flight. The legs and bill are yellowish. Adult females are similar to an adult male but much less colorful and with a hint of dark barring on the breast. Juvenile plumage recalls that of an adult female but with white spots on the back and dark spots on the underparts.
The American Robin is present as a migrant breeding species to the north of its range, mainly from April to September. It occurs year-round in the southern half of North America, where numbers are boosted in winter by migrants. It is a familiar sight in parks and gardens, and typically it is bold and easy to observe.
male
male
FACT FILE
LENGTH 10 in (25.5 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates, particularly earthworms, and berries
HABITAT Wide range of wooded habitats, parks, and gardens
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor and year-round resident
VOICE Song comprises a series of whistling phrases, each often disyllabic, and separated by distinct pauses. Calls include a sharp puup. Flight call is a thin trill
