American

Robin

Hear My Song

Turdus

migratorius

 For many parts of the country perhaps no other bird is so associated with the advent of Spring as the American Robin. In Sonoma County we are lucky to have the largest member of the thrush family with us well before Spring starts.

Robins are often found foraging on city lawns and country pastures for worms and insects or swarming fruit trees with its bright orange breast matching the color of persimmons of which it is fond.

The Robin is migratory, and during migration robins assemble in large flocks established at night roosts, often in a secluded swamp. These roosts can become quite enormous in the southern part of the robin's range, breaking up to feed in small flocks on fruits and berries. There is much rivalry between the males, especially during the breeding season. The robin uses its voice as its main form of communication. It produces a variety of sounds, some loud and piercing that signify alarm, others high-pitched hissing sounds associated with scolding, call notes and a melodic song.

During the breeding season, each pair will raise two broods of up to three nestlings a season. They generally return to the same area for breeding each year, but banding studies show they do not necessarily breed with the same mates. The female does all the incubation. The male stays in the vicinity of the nest to help with feeding the young and defending the nest. He leaves the nest area at night and may roost communally with other males.

The young stay in the nest for about thirteen days. Usually the male remains for a period to provide the young fledgling with food as it learns to forage for itself.

Found from Alaska to Florida, the Robin is one of the most easily recognized, and most beloved birds in the U.S. Three states, Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin have adopted it as their state bird.

Black to dark gray head Broken eye ring Dull red breast and belly White undertail coverts Gray upperparts Streaked throat Thin yellow bill Sexes similar-female somewhat paler Winter plumage is somewhat paler than Summer plumage Juveniles have spotted, whiter breasts.

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