The American Robin, often called “red robin,” is a widespread and easily recognized bird across North America. It is a common sight in various environments, from woodlands to suburban backyards, making it one of the continent’s most abundant birds. Its presence is often associated with the arrival of spring.
Distinguishing Physical Features
The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird, typically measuring between 9 and 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 12 to 16 inches (31 to 41 cm). It possesses a plump body, long legs, and a relatively long tail, giving it a distinctive silhouette. Males generally weigh around 2.5 to 3.3 ounces (72 to 94 grams), while females are slightly lighter, ranging from 2.1 to 3.2 ounces (59 to 91 grams).
The most striking feature of the American Robin is its coloration. Adults display a brick-red to orange-red breast and orange underparts. The head is typically dark gray to black, contrasting with a gray-brown back and wings. A white patch is often visible on the lower belly and under the tail, especially during flight.
Around the dark eyes, a broken white eye-ring is present, and the throat is white with black streaks. The beak is primarily yellow with a dark tip, and its long, slender legs and feet are brown. Female robins generally exhibit duller colors, with a paler head and a brownish tint to their upperparts and less bright underparts compared to males.
Common Behaviors and Habitat
American Robins are often observed foraging on the ground, characterized by a distinctive “run-and-stop” or hopping gait as they search for food. They frequently stand erect, tilting their heads to survey their surroundings, and are known for pulling earthworms from the soil, which they locate by sight. While they primarily consume earthworms and insects in spring and summer, their diet shifts to a greater reliance on fruits and berries during colder months.
The robin’s vocalizations are a key identification feature. Males are known for their rich, musical, caroling song, often described as a series of “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily” whistles, especially heard in the early morning. Beyond their song, robins also produce various calls, including a repeated “tuk” for communication and a sharp “peek” as an alarm.
These adaptable birds thrive in a variety of environments, including suburban lawns, parks, gardens, and open woodlands. They commonly build their sturdy, mud-reinforced nests in trees or shrubs, and sometimes even on human structures like porches or window sills.