American Robin

The American Robin, Turdus migratorius, is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is basically grayish in color, except for an orange patch on the chest; the similarity between this coloring and that of the smaller and unrelated European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) led to its common name.

During the breeding season, the adult males grow distinctive black feathers on their heads; after the breeding season they lose this eye-catching plumage.

While robins occasionally overwinter in the northern part of the United States and southern Canada, most depart for the tropics by the end of August; they begin to return north in March. (Exact dates vary with latitude and climate, of course.)

As with many migratory birds, the males return to the summer breeding grounds before the females, and compete with each other for nesting sites. The females then select mates based on the males' songs and the desirability of the nests they have built.

Food is the typical thrush mixture of insects, worms and berries.