American robin
species of bird / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird. Also known as the North American robin,[2] it belongs in the thrush family, Turdidae. It was named after the European robin. This is because the European robin has a bright orange-red face and breast. The two species are not closely related.[3] The American robin has seven subspecies. T. m. confinis is the most different subspecies.[4]
American robin | |
---|---|
Adult | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | |
Binomial name | |
Turdus migratorius Linnaeus, 1766 "in America septentrionali" | |
Breeding range Year-round range Wintering range |
The American robin lives throughout North America. It is a rare vagrant to western Europe (a vagrant is a bird that is found outside its normal species' range). It has also been a vagrant to Greenland, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and Belize.[4] The American robin can be found in many different kinds of habitats.[5] It likes open areas of ground to feed and areas with trees or shrubs to breed and sleep.[6] Because it has a large range, the IUCN Red List says that the American robin will not decline, and is listed as of least concern.[1]
The American robin begins to breed shortly after returning to northern North America after spending the winter in the south.[6] The female will choose where to build the nest. She will make the nest with grass, sticks, paper, feathers, rootlets, and moss. Once the nest is built, she will lay 3 to 5 eggs.[5] After the chicks leave the nest, both parents will continue to take care of them, until they can live on their own.[6]
American robin eggs and juveniles are eaten by squirrels, snakes, blue jays, common grackles, American crows, and common ravens. The adults are eaten by hawks, cats, and larger snakes.[6] Sometimes, the brown-headed cowbird lays its eggs in the Robin's nest. This is called brood parasitism. However, the robin usually rejects the cowbird eggs.[7]