10.0 inches long. The American Robin has gray upperparts and an orange breast and a white undertail. The head is dark gray with a broken eye ring. The throat is streaked. The yellow bill is relatively thin. For our “eastern” form there are white feathers on the outer tail that are visible in flight. The female is duller in coloration. The juveniles have spotted undersides.
The American Robin is a very common breeding bird that may overwinter in small numbers.
The American Robin is the most abundant and widespread North American thrush and is common in residential areas. It is often found in large flocks outside of the breeding season. For many people the arrival of the robin is a sure sign of spring. The diet of the robin is also highly variable, changing from primarily soft invertebrates, especially earthworms, in spring and summer, to primarily fruit in autumn and winter. Robin populations appear to be increasing or stable throughout North America. The song is a bold gurgling “sing-song, cheerily, cheerup, cheerio”.
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