American Robins belong to the thrush family, Turdidae. This widespread family contains over 400 species found on every continent except Antarctica. The American Robin is one of the most familiar and recognizable thrushes in North America. Its scientific name is Turdus migratorius.
Physical Description
American Robins have a distinctive physical appearance that makes them easy to identify. Adults have a grayish brown back and head, a reddish-orange breast, and a white eye ring. Their bellies are white with dark spots. American Robins have long legs and short tails.
An adult robin’s body length ranges from 8 to 11 inches. Their wingspan is around 12 to 16 inches. American Robins typically weigh between 2.5 to 3 ounces.
Males and females have similar plumage. Juvenile birds are spotted below before they acquire the reddish-orange breast around one year old.
Geographic Range
The American Robin has an extremely large range that covers most of North America. Their breeding habitat extends from Alaska and Canada down through the entire continental United States and into Mexico.
American Robins are present year-round through most of their range. Northern populations migrate south for the winter while southern birds are permanent residents.
This thrush is found across a variety of open and wooded habitats at different elevations. They thrive in urban and suburban areas. American Robins have also been introduced to Hawaii, Bermuda, and other locations overseas.
Habits and Behavior
American Robins are active and vocal birds that frequently gather in flocks outside of breeding season. They communicate with a complex array of calls and songs. Their familiar “cheerily, cheer up” song is one of the earliest signs of spring.
These birds walk and run on the ground while searching for food. They have strong legs and are agile fliers over short distances. American Robins exhibit territorial behavior during breeding season as pairs defend their nesting areas.
They are most active during the day. At night, they sleep on tree branches or other sheltered spots. American Robins sometimes re-use nests or roost in them during cold winter nights.
Diet
The diet of American Robins consists mainly of invertebrates such as earthworms, beetle grubs, caterpillars, and snails. They locate prey visually while foraging on the ground.
American Robins also eat a wide variety of fruits and berries. Common food sources include cherries, grapes, dogwood berries, sumac fruits, and more. They consume the fruits whole and digest the fleshy parts while regurgitating the seeds.
In fall and winter, robins rely more heavily on fruits when insect prey becomes scarce. They forage for food in lawns, fields, woodlands and thickets throughout the year.
Reproduction
The breeding season for American Robins takes place during spring and summer. Males arrive at potential nesting sites first and establish breeding territories.
Courtship displays include males showing off their colorful breast feathers and singing to attract mates. Once pairs form, the female builds a nest using grass, twigs, paper and mud.
Nests arecup-shaped and located on a sheltered platform such as a tree branch, roof edge, or light fixture. Females lay 3-5 light blue eggs that incubate for 12-14 days.
Both parents feed the hatchlings for a couple weeks until they fledge and leave the nest. American Robins produce two to three broods per breeding season.
Taxonomy
Here is the taxonomic classification of the American Robin:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | Turdus migratorius |
This places American Robins in the thrush family Turdidae, along with other North American species like Eastern Bluebirds and Wood Thrushes. The Turdidae family belongs to the diverse order Passeriformes, or perching birds.
Relationship with Humans
The familiarity of American Robins has made them culturally significant across North America. Their early spring song is a welcome sound indicating winter is over.
American Robins are the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They have featured prominently in music, poetry, folklore, and other artforms.
Unfortunately, these birds face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, collisions, and climate change. Homeowners can help by providing roosting trees, native plants that bear fruit, and limiting insecticide use.
Overall though, American Robins remain abundant and iconic birds despite living close to humans. Their adaptability continues to allow them to thrive around urbanization and habitat changes.
Key Facts
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
Genus: Turdus
Species: Turdus migratorius
Physical Description
– Size: 8-11 inches long, 12-16 inch wingspan
– Weight: 2.5-3 ounces
– Grayish brown back and head
– Reddish-orange breast
– White belly with dark spots
Habitat and Range
– Found across most of North America
– Open and wooded areas
– Urban/suburban habitats
– Introduced to Hawaii and Bermuda
Diet
– Invertebrates like earthworms and insects
– Fruits and berries
– Forages on ground and in trees
Reproduction and Nesting
– Males arrive first and defend breeding territory
– Females build nests on platforms
– Lays 3-5 light blue eggs
– Parents feed hatchlings for 2 weeks before fledging
Conclusion
In summary, American Robins belong to the thrush family Turdidae. They are medium-sized songbirds characterized by their brown back, orange breast, and habit of running on open ground. American Robins breed across North America and migrate in northern parts of their range. They have adapted readily to human landscapes. Despite some threats, American Robins remain one of the most widespread and recognizable backyard birds. Providing native plants and nesting sites can help support robin populations. Their beautiful spring songs and movements bring joy to people across the continent.