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American Robin
Contour feather, body contour

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