The American robin got its name because it reminded early colonists of a bird they had known in Europe. Both birds are familiar and much-loved songbirds. The American robin and the European robin are both considered to be members of the thrush family, but the two birds are not closely related. Although the name robin is given to several other birds as well, the American and European robins are the most well known of these birds.

Where robins live

American robins are found everywhere in North America, except for parts of the Arctic. They do not live on any other continent. American robins breed as far north as Alaska, and they winter as far south as Guatemala. Originally a woodland bird, the American robin has adapted well to the gardens, orchards, and lawns of modern urban areas.

Within its own range, the European robin is also a familiar bird. It breeds throughout Europe and in parts of western Asia and North Africa.

Physical features

American robins are about 10 inches (25 centimeters) long and are known for their orange or dull reddish breasts and bellies. Their heads are black, their upper parts dark gray, their bills yellow, and their tails tipped with white at the outer corners. Females and young males are paler than adult males. Young American robins have spotted breasts like other young thrushes.

The European robin is a much smaller bird, with a length of 5 ¹/₂ inches (14 centimeters). Its area of orange-red feathers extends forward from the breast to the throat and face. The belly is white, and the upper parts are brownish olive.

Behavior

An American robin is often seen hopping across a lawn, standing still, cocking its head, and then pulling a worm out of the ground. American robins also eat insects and many kinds of fruit. American robins are sometimes regarded as a pest by fruit growers. Robins move south when the weather turns cold. To people in North American cities, the returning robin is one of the first signs of spring.

The European robin feeds mostly on insects. It is commonly seen in gardens and parks. The robins of northern Europe fly south in winter, but in other areas they are seen throughout the year.

Life cycle

An American robin builds its nest on a sheltered tree branch or building. The nest is made of grass and twigs, with inner walls of mud that the bird smooths out with its breast and wings. The female robin lays four to six bluish green eggs and keeps them warm for 12 to 14 days. Meanwhile, her mate brings food. Only 14 to 16 days after hatching, the young birds are ready to fly.

American robins nest so early in the spring that they are sometimes able to raise a second family in a single breeding season. The young robins and the adult male will gather together at night to roost, while the mother stays on the nest with the latest brood.

The European robin makes a nest of moss and dead leaves. The female lays about five eggs, which are white with reddish-brown flecks. The young of the European robin take about as long to hatch and grow flight feathers as do the young of the American robin.