Bird Food Preferences

Fruit

Bird Feeder Preferences

Fruit

Bird House Specifications

American Robins use nesting platforms.  Check out the Bird House Dimensions page to learn how to build a nesting platform specifically for American Robins.

Plants to Attract

Woody Plants: Dogwood, honeysuckle, juniper, and mulberry

Description

The American Robin is found year round in the United States.  During the breeding season, the American Robin can also be found throughout Canada, which makes the robin's arrival an early sign of spring.  Some robins migrate to Mexico during the winter months.  The American Robin is common in both suburban and natural areas.

American Robins are on average nine and half inches in length and weigh about three ounces.  They have round bodies with long legs and are the largest North American thrush.  Robins have gray backs, dark heads, rusty-orange breasts, and dark tails.  A white patch on the belly and under the tail can be seen during flight.  Females have lighter colored heads and chests.

The American Robin female builds a nest from the inside out.  She uses dead grass and twigs to make a cup shape, and then reinforces the nest using mud from worm castings.  She also lines the nest with dry grass.  When the nest is finished it is about seven inches wide by seven inches high.  Robin eggs are a distinctive sky-blue.  Females usually pick nest sites that are on horizontal branches hidden behind dense leaves.  However, robins have been known to nest in gutters, outdoor light fixtures, and on buildings.  They can also be attracted to nesting platforms.

Similar Species

Eastern Towhee, Spotted Towhee, and Varied Thrush