American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Probably the best-known bird, due to its abundance, widespread distribution, feeding in open areas, and therefore easily observed.

Description:

The American Robin has a distinctive orange breast. Its bill is yellow with a dark tip, a black back with blackish feet. When viewed overhead, the underside of white tail feathers contrast with darker coloration of breast. This is a fairly large bird ranging from 9 to 11 inches.

Voice:

A pip, pip pip or tut tut tut or tsee tsee. In summer, robins sing vigorously before daylight.

Food:

Worms are only about 20% of their diet. Robins are omnivores. In winter they eat mostly fruit and berries; in summer they eat mostly insects, beetles, caterpillars, weevils, flies.

Nest:

Robins often raise 2 or 3 broods per year, particularly in warmer climates. They begin nesting at the time of year when the average daily temperatures are the highest. Clutch of 3-4 eggs. Occasionally a cowbird will lay its eggs in the robin’s nest, but foreign eggs do not fool the female. She will kick out the intruder’s eggs.

Habitat:

Prefers moist woods or fruit trees, but is found in suburban neighborhoods as well.

Range:

Found throughout the West.

Migration:

Robins migrate to lower altitudes and/or more southerly latitudes in winter.

Photo Courtesy of Tom Grey

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