The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird that breeds throughout much of North America. It is one of the most widespread and familiar songbirds in North America. Robins have a distinctive reddish-orange breast and face, and a brown back and wings. They are a sign of spring to many, with the males’ beautifully complex songs marking the change of seasons. But where exactly do these iconic birds live?
Breeding Range
American Robins breed throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south to Florida, Mexico and Guatemala.
Canada
In Canada, American Robins breed across all provinces and territories except Nunavut. They are found:
- Across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
- In Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
- In the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
Robins inhabit a variety of habitats across Canada, including forests, parks, suburban areas and tundra ecosystems. They thrive in areas with a mix of trees, shrubs and open ground.
United States
In the lower 48 United States, American Robins breed in every state. They are common summer residents across the northern states, central plains and down the west coast. Their breeding range extends south along the Atlantic coast to Florida, and along the Gulf coast to eastern Texas.
In the western states, their breeding range reaches its southern limits in southern California, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico and the panhandle of Texas. At high elevations out west, breeding Robins may be found as high as the tree line in mountain ranges.
Mexico
In Mexico, American Robins breed primarily in the mountainous central and northern parts of the country. Their range extends south locally through the Mexican Plateau to Hidalgo and Veracruz.
Guatemala
The southern limits of the American Robin’s breeding range reach Guatemala. Here they are restricted to breeding at higher elevations in the mountainous regions in the western part of the country.
Winter Range
In winter, American Robins retreat from the northern parts of their breeding range in Canada and the northern United States. They winter farther south, throughout much of the southern United States and Mexico.
United States
In the lower 48 United States, American Robins may be found year-round across much of the southern half of the country. Their winter range includes:
- All states from Oregon and California east to the Atlantic
- South through Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas
- East coast states north to Massachusetts
They are generally absent as winter residents from the northern plains, northern Rocky Mountains and northern New England.
Mexico
In Mexico, American Robins expand from their limited breeding range to winter commonly across most of the country. They are found wintering in suitable habitat through most Mexican states, from Baja California, Sonora and Chihuahua south to Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Central America
American Robins are also regular winter visitors farther south in Central America. Their winter range includes areas of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Migration
American Robins are migratory over most of their range. Northern populations migrate south for the winter, and southern populations migrate north to breed.
In spring, the first returning migrants appear in the southern United States in February. Numbers increase through March and April as more birds arrive farther north. Early spring arrivals reach southern Canada by late March, and more northern areas by May.
Southbound migration starts in September from Canada and progresses through October and November. The timing depends on weather conditions; cold snaps may trigger larger migratory movements. Some individuals, particularly juveniles and first-winter birds, may linger into December or January in the northern parts of their winter range.
Habitat
American Robins occupy diverse habitats across their range. They are adaptable birds found in both natural and human-modified environments.
Forests
In forested areas, American Robins prefer open woodlands with a mix of trees, shrubs, grassy openings and wetlands. They avoid dense, unbroken stands of trees. Forest types used include northern hardwood, aspen, coniferous and mixed forests.
Parks and Residential Areas
American Robins have adapted well to human-altered environments. They are abundant in city parks, suburban neighborhoods, golf courses, cemeteries and shopping malls with scattered trees and grassy areas.
Farmlands and Pastures
Robin visit pastures, agricultural fields, orchards and vineyards, where they forage on soil-dwelling invertebrates exposed by plowing or grazing livestock. They often follow tractors to pick insects out of newly turned soil.
Mountain Habitats
In western mountains, American Robins inhabit mountain meadows, foothills, woodlands and alpine tundra. At high elevations they may be found above tree line during summer.
Coastal Habitats
Along the Pacific and Gulf coasts, American Robins utilize shoreline habitats such as beaches, mudflats and salt marsh edges. They are also found around wharfs and docks.
Arid Environments
In arid regions of the southwest, American Robins are associated with rivers and wetlands, particularly cottonwood galleries. They also use suburban oases in desert cities.
Diet
American Robins have diverse feeding habits, and adjust their diet according to season and habitat. Their diet includes a wide variety of invertebrates and fruit.
Invertebrates
Animal prey consumed by American Robins includes:
- Earthworms – Important food source, especially in spring.
- Insects – Beetles, caterpillars, ants, grasshoppers, flies, etc.
- Spiders
- Snails and slugs
- Millipedes and centipedes
- Worms
Robins find animal prey by sight on the ground. They run across lawns and fields stopping to cock their head and visually locate prey. They also probe soil with their bills to find worms and soil-dwelling insects.
Fruit and Berries
American Robins eat a wide variety of fruits and berries, especially in fall and winter. Favored fruits include:
- Mulberries
- Hackberries
- Chokecherries
- Sumac
- Dogwood
- Crabapples
- Juniper berries
- Holly berries
- Pyracantha
- Introduced cherries, peaches, pears, etc.
They pluck fruit from trees and shrubs while perched, and sometimes fly out to grab berries in mid-air.
Nest Sites
American Robins build open cup nests out of mud, grasses, twigs, paper and feathers. Nests are constructed in a wide variety of natural and man-made sites, including:
- Tree branches – Typically in a fork or where branches meet the trunk.
- Shrubs
- Vines growing against buildings
- Gutters and ledges on buildings
- Light fixtures
- Farm equipment, tractors, etc.
- Bridges
- Docks
- Awnings and overhangs
- Cavities – Tree holes, nest boxes, etc.
Nests are usually 4-7 feet off the ground, but may be built all the way up into the canopy or down near ground level. Ideal sites offer a base to anchor the nest and good visibility of the surroundings.
Breeding Behavior
Courtship
Courtship begins in late winter or early spring with males establishing territories and attracting females. Courtship displays include males flicking their wings, bowing forward with tail spread, and feeding females.
Male robins sing loudly from high perches within their territory to advertise themselves. Their complex songs have string of melodious phrases interspersed with raspy notes.
Nest Building
Nest building is done primarily by the female over a period of 2-6 days. The nest cup is crafted from mud reinforced with grasses and other materials. A new nest is usually made each year.
Eggs
A single clutch of 3-5 eggs is laid. The pale blue eggs are lightly spotted with reddish-brown. The female incubates the eggs alone for 12-14 days.
Young
Both parents feed the nestlings with regurgitated earthworms and insect prey. Nestlings fledge at 12-14 days old, but remain dependent on their parents for 2-3 more weeks. Most pairs raise 2-3 broods per breeding season.
Threats and Conservation
American Robin populations remain widespread and abundant. However, they face a number of threats across their range:
Habitat loss
Development reduces suitable habitat in many areas. Robins rely on moist, insect-rich soils found in lawns, pastures and wetlands that are easily lost to buildings, parking lots and drainage.
Pesticides
Chemical pest control can poison robins and reduce insect prey populations. Some common agricultural pesticides are especially harmful.
Climate change
Changing climate patterns may affect migration timing and habitat suitability. Extended droughts can reduce food and nesting sites.
Collisions
Window collisions and automobiles claim many robins each year, especially during migrations. Bright lights draw night-migrating birds into urban areas.
Despite these threats, most American Robin populations remain stable. Their adaptability to human-altered habitats affords them some protection. Provide them nesting sites and insect prey by planting native plant species and reducing pesticide usage.
Conclusion
American Robins inhabit a broad range across North America. They breed throughout Canada, the United States and down into Mexico and Guatemala. Northern populations migrate south to winter throughout the southern U.S. and Mexico. Robins utilize diverse natural and human-created habitats, from forests to suburbs. They are adaptable birds, adjusting their diet with the seasons. Identified by their cheery song and brightly colored breast, American Robins remain one of the most familiar and beloved backyard birds across the continent. Protecting suitable habitats wherever they occur will help ensure robins continue brightening our springs for generations to come.