Turdus migratorius - American Robin
Family - Turdidae
Order - Passeriformes
Length - Up to 12 inches
Recognition - Dark gray body and head with bright reddish-orange belly.
Habitat - Woodland and urban areas
Behavior - Omnivore
Residency - The United States and Canada
Life Span - Up to 14 years
Of Special Note - The American Robin is one of the best known songbirds in North America. It is easily recognized due to its bright reddish-orange chest, which sets it apart from other species. It is an omnivore and dines mostly on earthworms and other insects, but it has also been known to eat berries. While looking for food, it will move across the ground, pausing occasionally, apparently to listen for the sound of earthworms moving. Once an earthworm or other prey is detected, it will run up and attempt to grab it with its beak.
During the summer, this species has its breeding season, during which the males will attempt to attract a female. To impress the females, the males will sing and display their plumage. After mating, the female will build the nest and lay up to four bright blue eggs in it. The female will also do most of the incubating, but the male will take over once they have hatched so the female can incubate a second batch of eggs. Only about 1/4 of the young robins will survive their first year, due to predation, disease, and other factors.
Sounds (mp3):
The American Robin Chirping
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