
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, rounded to slightly tapered tip, soft and loose overall outline
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long, consistent with a breast contour feather for a medium-sized thrush
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
The American Robin is a migratory songbird known widely as a harbinger of spring. It features a dark gray back, a yellow bill, and a striking brick-red breast. The bird is roughly 9 to 11 inches long with a cheerful, caroling song.
Colour & Pattern
Vibrant rust-orange or brick-red tip fading sharply into dark charcoal-gray or slate-gray fluff at the base, characteristic of the iconic reddish breast of the species
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the upper colored tip with interlocked barbicels, transitioning to a very plumulaceous, fluffy downy base with loose, separated barbs
Texture & Surface
Soft, silky, and pliable with a matte finish; fluffy and loose at the basal half and slightly firmer at the colored tip
Key Features
Distinctive bicolored feather showing vibrant rust-orange transitioning abruptly into dark slate-gray down
Habitat
Woodlands, forests, suburban lawns, parks, gardens, and agricultural fields across North America
Geographic Range
Widespread 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 and soil health indicator through foraging on lawns and consuming forest fruits
Similar Species
Other thrushes such as the Varied Thrush, though American Robin breast feathers are uniquely identified by the specific bright rust-red meeting dark gray
Interesting Facts
American Robins can eat up to 14 percent of their body weight in earthworms and fruit daily, and they are known to occasionally become intoxicated from eating fermented berries
Condition Notes
Good condition, intact structure with slight surface dust or particulate matter visible on the vane