American Robin
Family:
Turdidae (thrushes) in the order Passeriformes
Description:
Mature American robins have grayish-brown upperparts with a blackish head and a split white eye ring. The underparts are rich rusty red with white under the tail feathers. The female is paler than the male. The blackish throat is streaked with white. Juveniles are much like the adults, only heavily spotted with brown. The melodious song consists of a variety of three-note phrases strung together, sometimes seemingly endlessly. Calls include a “Pick! Tut-tut-tut.”
Size:
Length: 10 inches (tip of bill to tip of tail).
Habitat and conservation:
Robins live in yards and other grassy places where they forage on the ground for earthworms; they are easily observed as they sing and call from trees, power lines and rooftops. Formerly killed for its meat, this species is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the 1900 Lacey Act. It is also the species most memorable from Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring,” which illustrated how insect-eating birds can be killed indirectly from poisons intended for plant-eating insects.
Foods:
American robins forage on the ground for earthworms, grubs and other insects, fruits and berries. They commonly run and stop, cock their head and pull earthworms from the ground.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Common summer resident.
Life cycle:
Robins breed across North America, migrating northward from areas south of Canada in spring and migrating back south as far as southern Mexico in fall. Robins are found in Missouri year-round. They breed as soon as they arrive in spring, building nests of mud, grasses and twigs; there are usually 3-5 blue eggs per clutch, and usually 2-3 broods per season. The naked, helpless chicks hatch in 14 days; they fledge 14 days later but still require their parents’ help.
Human connections:
As a cherished symbol of springtime, the robin’s value to the human spirit is reflected in poetry and song. Because they often build nests that are easily seen, robins are loved by bird watchers and children. Robins also busily devour grubs whose feeding can disfigure manicured lawns.
Ecosystem connections:
Robins eat many insects, helping to keep their populations in check. Young robins and eggs are eaten by many predator species, and adults are taken by others. The warning calls robins make when predators approach serve to alert other birds, who undoubtedly benefit from the robins’ vigilance. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/2820
