American Robin
Robin, American
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is the largest and best-known member of the THRUSH family in Canada. The term robin also applies to several other thrushes not closely related to the American robin and to birds of other families.
The robin is widely distributed in Canada, the northern limit of its range being the TREELINE. It is migratory in most parts but may winter or attempt to winter in southern parts of most provinces. It has adapted to humans in inhabited areas and is relatively tame; in remote areas, it avoids them.
The American robin is a graceful, primarily terrestrial bird with a black head, black and white streaks on the throat, grey back, blackish tail and wings, reddish orange breast, and white abdomen. Sexes differ little in size (22-28 cm long). Males are more brightly coloured than females. Young have the same general appearance as adults but, like all thrushes, are heavily marked with conspicuous dark spots on underparts. The American robin is a good singer.
Nests are usually built a few metres from the ground in trees or bushes. The nest is a large structure of grass, twigs and small stems, crudely assembled around a cup of mud lined with finer grasses. The female incubates 4 bluish green eggs for 12-13 days; the male assists with feeding the young. Robins frequently have 2 broods in southern parts of Canadian range. They have many natural enemies, such as birds, snakes, predatory mammals (eg, domestic cats).
Robins feed extensively on insects, insect larvae and earthworms but also consume fruits and berries in season and are considered pests in many areas.
Robin with Young
The female robin incubates 4 bluish-green eggs for 12-13 days and the male assists with the feeding (Corel Professional Photos).
Robin, Fledgling
Fledgling robin's first day out of the nest (photo by James Marsh).
Author HENRI OUELLET
Links to Other Sites
American Robin
See a description of the natural history and typical habitat of the American Robin in Canada. From the "Hinterland Who's Who" website. Also includes video clips, summaries of related conservation issues, and educational resources.
All About Birds
Search this online bird identification guide for information on specific bird species found in North America. Click on the dynamic map of eBird sightings for a magnified view. From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the US.
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.
The Dominion government's advertisement asked for volunteers "able to read and write either the English or French language" with "good antecedents" who were good horsemen...
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