
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 tip, overall oval-elongated outline.
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 inches long and 0.75 inches wide. Consistent with a standard breast or flank contour feather for a medium-sized thrush.
- Rarity
- Very Common
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
The American Robin is a migratory songbird of the thrush family, famous as a harbinger of spring. Adults feature a dark gray back, a yellow bill, and a striking brick-red to orange breast. They are active foragers often seen hopping across lawns in search of earthworms.
Colour & Pattern
Rich warm terracotta or brick-red coloration across the pennaceous vane, with greyish-white downy barbs at the base. Melanin-based pigmentation typical of adult breast plumage.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels transitioning into a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base at the proximal end. No prominent afterfeather.
Texture & Surface
Soft yet relatively firm vane at the tip, transitioning to a fluffy, downy texture at the base. Matte finish.
Key Features
Distinctive warm terracotta-red coloration on a small, rounded contour feather with a fluffy grey base, characteristic of the robin's iconic breast plumage.
Habitat
Found in woodlands, forests, suburban areas, parks, gardens, and agricultural fields throughout 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 shrubs and trees, and serves as a key prey species for medium-sized raptors and mammals.
Similar Species
Other thrushes such as the Varied Thrush or Eastern Bluebird, though breast feather coloration and geographic context usually differentiate American Robin feathers.
Interesting Facts
American Robins can eat up to 14 percent of their body weight in earthworms every day, along with large quantities of berries which can occasionally ferment and intoxicate the birds.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The vane is largely intact with minimal fraying, showing standard wear typical of a naturally molted body feather.