American robin (Turdus migratorius

The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird that belongs to the thrush family, Turdidae. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing between 77 to 85 grams (2.7 to 3 ounces). The American robin is one of the most recognizable and widespread birds in North America, known for its orange-red breast and melodious song.

Habitat and Range:

The American robin is a highly adaptable species that can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, fields, and suburban areas. It is widely distributed throughout North America, with breeding populations found from Alaska to Mexico and wintering populations as far south as Central America.

Appearance:

The American robin is a sexually dimorphic species, with males and females having slightly different plumage. The male has a brighter orange-red breast, while the female has a paler orange-red breast. Both sexes have dark gray-brown backs, white underparts, and a white eye-ring. The bill is yellow with a black tip, and the legs and feet are brown.

Behavior:

The American robin is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day. It is an omnivorous species that feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, worms, berries, and fruits. During the breeding season, the American robin is territorial and will defend its territory against intruders. Males will sing to attract females and establish their territory. The American robin is a migratory species, with birds in northern populations flying south for the winter.

Breeding and Nesting:

The breeding season for the American robin typically occurs between April and July. Males will establish their territories and attract females through singing and courtship displays. Once a pair has formed, they will build a nest out of grass, twigs, and mud, and line it with fine grasses and feathers. The nest is typically located in a tree, shrub, or other elevated location. The female will lay a clutch of 3 to 5 blue-green eggs, which she will incubate for 12 to 14 days. The chicks hatch naked and helpless and are fed by both parents until they fledge the nest after 13 to 15 days.

Migration:

The American robin is a migratory species, with birds in northern populations flying south for the winter. In the fall, American robins gather in flocks and migrate to their wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They typically return to their breeding grounds in the spring, arriving as early as February in some areas.

Conservation Status:

The American robin is classified as a species of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a common and widespread species with a stable population trend. However, like many bird species, the American robin is vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation, which can reduce their breeding success and wintering habitat.

Interesting Facts:

The American robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Despite its name, the American robin is not closely related to the European robin, which belongs to a different family of birds.

The American robin is known for its melodious song, which is a series of clear, whistled phrases.

The American robin has a unique feeding behavior called "tilting," where it tilts its head to the side and listens for sounds of prey in the ground before quickly lunging forward to capture it.

The American robin is known to be susceptible to the West Nile virus, which can cause high mortality rates in populations.

An American Robin can produce three successful broods in one year. On average, though, only 40 percent of nests successfully produce young. Only 25 percent of those fledged young survive to November. From that point on, about half of the robins alive in any year will make it to the next. Despite the fact that a lucky robin can live to be 14 years old, the entire population turns over on average every six years.