Robin Bird Information
The American robin is a North American native songbird well known for its orange breast, cheery song and reputation of being the harbinger of spring. Their scientific name is Turdus migratorius and they represent the largest of a family of North American birds called thrushes.
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Physical Characteristics
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Robins typically measure 7.9 to 11 inches in length, have a wingspan of 12.2 to 15.7 inches and a weight of 2.7 to 3 oz. They possess grayish-brown bodies, dark heads and orange breasts. Although males and females have the same coloring, the males are brighter than the females.
Habitat
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The robin's habitat is quite broad. They are common throughout the North American continent and can be seen in city parks, on suburban lawns and in rural fields. They can also be found in undeveloped areas such as forests and mountainous areas.
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Food
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In addition to earthworms, robins also feed on fruit, insects and some snails. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, one study suggested that robins intentionally eat fruits containing bugs in an effort to balance their diet.
Nesting Habits
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Nests consisting of dry grass and twigs are usually constructed in the lower half of trees. The female lays between three and five sky blue eggs measuring 1.1 to 1.2 inches in length and .8 inch in width. The eggs are incubated for a period of 12 to 14 days. After hatching, the young remain in the nest for 13 days.
Conservation Status
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The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources lists the American robin as a species of "least concern," indicating that populations are stable or increasing. The Seattle Audubon Society claims that robin populations have increased significantly in the past 40 years.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit robin image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
