
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 rounded tip, overall oval-elongated outline
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long, typical for a medium-sized passerine body contour feather
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
The American Robin is a migratory songbird of the thrush family, easily recognized by its warm reddish-orange breast, dark grey back, and yellowish bill. It is one of the most familiar and beloved backyard birds in North America, known for its cheerful morning song and habit of hopping across lawns in search of earthworms.
Colour & Pattern
Distinct two-tone coloration with a grey-white upper vane and a vibrant reddish-orange tip and margin, typical of breast feathers
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the tip and upper margins with plumulaceous (fluffy) base underneath, intact barbs, delicate hooklets
Texture & Surface
Soft, silky texture with a matte finish, flexible vane, slightly fluffy at the base
Key Features
Distinctive combination of greyish-white base and a warm, rusty reddish-orange tip or margin, characteristic of the breast plumage
Habitat
Woodlands, forests, suburban gardens, parks, lawns, and agricultural fields across North America
Geographic Range
Widely distributed throughout North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada down to Mexico, wintering mainly in the southern US and Central America
Ecological Role
Serves as an important seed disperser for various shrubs and trees, and acts as a vital prey species for raptors, cats, and corvids
Similar Species
Other thrushes or towhees, though the specific rusty-orange and grey gradient on a small contour feather strongly points to the American Robin
Interesting Facts
American Robins can eat up to 14 percent of their body weight in earthworms and fruit daily. They sometimes become intoxicated after eating fermented honeysuckle or pyracantha berries.
Condition Notes
Good condition, clean barbs with minimal wear, likely a naturally molted contour feather