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American Robin
Contour feather, breast or underpart feather

American Robin

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Turdidae, Genus: Turdus, Species: T. migratorius

Family: Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a softly rounded tip and fluffy base, typical of passerine body contour feathers
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized thrush contour feather
Rarity
Very Common
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Description

The American Robin is a familiar North American migratory songbird of the thrush family, known for its cheerful song and bright reddish-orange breast. This contour feather showcases the iconic rust coloration that makes the species instantly recognizable, contrasting against the gray underplumage used for thermal insulation.

Colour & Pattern

Vibrant brick-red to rust-orange distal tip transitioning sharply into a soft slate-gray or charcoal basal downy section, with a fine dark rachis

Barb Structure

Pennaceous at the distal orange tip transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) at the proximal gray base, with intact barbs and no aftershaft

Texture & Surface

Soft and silky texture with a matte finish, flexible vane offering minimal stiffness

Key Features

Distinctive vibrant rust-orange tip sharply contrasting with gray, fluffy basal down

Habitat

Woodlands, suburban lawns, gardens, parks, and agricultural fields across North America

Geographic Range

Widely distributed across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada down to Mexico, wintering mainly in the southern US and Central America

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser for various berry-producing plants and helps control invertebrate pest populations in gardens and forests

Similar Species

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) or Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), distinguished by different hue intensities and wing/breast feather patterning

Interesting Facts

Despite being considered a harbinger of spring, many American Robins actually winter in their breeding grounds, shifting their diet from earthworms to berries during colder months

Condition Notes

Good condition, fresh appearance with intact barbs and no visible damage or wear

American Robin | Feather Identifier