American Robin
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae Genus: Turdus
Species: Turdus migratorius
The American Robin is an energetic bird often seen hopping across the lawns of backyards in search of earthworms. It has a long, beautiful song, and it often gathers in large groups during the winter months. Although the American Robin breeds about three times a year, only about 40% of these nests succeed in producing young that survive to adulthood. Even then, only about half of those that survive as chicks survive long enough to build nests of their own. The American Robin sometimes migrates during the winter, but not always. When an American Robin chooses not to migrate, it feeds off of fruit and berries to tide it over until spring returns. Because it catches most of its insects on lawns and in backyards, it is very vulnerable to poisoning from pesticides.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Blackish head with white eye arcs and a white throat with black streaks; brown back and a rusty red chest and underbelly; yellow bill with dark tip
Length: 10 inches
Wingspan: 16 inches
Diet: Includes invertebrates, fruits, and berries
Habitat: Open woodlands, yards, parks, and lawns
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
