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American Robin
Semiplume / Contour transition feather from the breast

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