American Robin
North America's most abundant landbird, a red-breasted thrush and one of the first voices of dawn.
via Wikipedia: American robin · see source
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird in the true thrush genus, spread across North America and wintering from southern Canada to central Mexico and along the Pacific coast. It takes its name from the European robin for its reddish-orange breast, although the two birds are not close relatives. With an estimated 370 million individuals, it is the most abundant landbird on the continent, outnumbering red-winged blackbirds, European starlings and mourning doves. Familiar on lawns and in gardens, it is one of the earliest birds to breed each spring and to sing at first light.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Turdus
- Species
- migratorius
Facts from the source article.
Background
Carl Linnaeus first described the species in 1766 in the twelfth edition of Systema Naturae, and its scientific name combines the Latin words for thrush and for migrating. Genetic work has reshaped ideas about its family tree. Older studies of mitochondrial DNA hinted at links with African thrushes, but a 2007 study and a 2020 study both found its closest relative to be the rufous-collared thrush of Central America. That points to a fairly recent spread north from a group of Central American thrushes. A 2026 study went further, suggesting the pale population of southern Baja California Sur may be distinct enough to count as its own species.
Did You Know?
- Seven subspecies are recognised, most of which blend into one another.
- The name robin has been used for this species since at least 1703.
- Birds feeding in flocks watch their neighbours for signs of a predator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American robin related to the European robin?
Not closely. It is a thrush, while the European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family; they share the name because of their red breasts.
How many American robins are there?
The Partners in Flight database (2019) puts the population at about 370 million, the most of any North American landbird.
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