
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