American Robin

American Robin, Turdus migratorius

The American Robin is an iconic early bird and herald of spring that can be found throughout most of North America. While these thrushes are mostly migratory, they are seen year round in most states. American robins  prefer open areas or short grass for foraging, but occupy woodlands, mountains, fields, gardens, and lawns. They actively forage during the day, especially in winter when they roost in large flocks at night. These roosts have been known to include up to a quarter million birds.

Robins are known as strong, fast, and straight fliers.

During spring and summer, and during mornings, the American robin consumes mostly invertebrates, but their diet also includes numerous fruits including chokecherries, sumac, dogwood, juniper berries, especially in fall and winter and later in the day. As lawns are a common area to forage, American robins are more vulnerable to pesticide poisoning. American robins are monogamous with pair bonds during breeding season and are one of the first birds to lay eggs. The nests are characteristically reinforced with soft mud and the nestlings are mainly fed insects, especially earthworms.