American Robin

American Robin Turdus migratorius

Description:

• Size: 8 to 11 inches (20-28 cm)
• Wingspan: 12 to 16 inches (31-40 cm)
• Weight: 2.72 ounces (77 g)

This is a large songbird with a grey back and wings, red under parts, dark head and white eye crescents.

Diet:

Robins eat invertebrates, especially earthworms. In the early spring, they may eat fruit, suet, mealworms and cracked sunflower seeds placed on the ground.

Sex Differences:

The males and females have the same colors except the females are slightly duller.

Nesting:

Robins will build their nests in a tree or shrub on a horizontal limb, 5 to 20 feet above the ground. The nest will be made from grass with a center layer of mud. Robins will not build their nests in birdhouses, but you can hang breeding platforms for them to nest on. The clutch will contain 3 to 7 eggs with an incubation period of 12 to 14 days.

Range:

A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know:

• During the nest building season, the female Robin may have a brown streak across her chest. This is caused by pressing against the muddy inner lining of the nest while forming the inner cup.
• The American Robin can produce up to three successful broods per year.
• Robins love to bathe and are easily attracted to a birdbath.

More information on attracting an American Robin with water. 

More information on other backyard birds.

The robin is the Connecticut State Bird.

The robin is the Michigan State Bird.

The robin is the Wisconsin State Bird.

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