The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of the most widespread and recognizable songbirds in North America. With its familiar reddish-orange breast and cheery song, this medium-sized thrush holds a special place in the hearts and yards of many Americans. But just how common is this iconic bird? Let’s take a closer look at the American Robin’s range, population, habitat, and conservation status across the continent.
Range and Population
American Robins have an extensive range that covers nearly all of North America. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, their breeding range stretches from Alaska and Canada southwards to Mexico, with small populations in the mountainous areas of Central America. In winter, most robins migrate to the southern and central United States, Mexico, and even down to Guatemala. There are some non-migratory populations in the West and Southwest U.S.
Within this broad range, robins inhabit a variety of open and semi-open habitats at low to middle elevations. This includes suburban areas, parks, yards, farms, forest edges, and more. Their numbers appear to be stable or even increasing in many areas as they adapt well to human-altered environments.
Current population estimates place the American Robin at around 320 million individuals. The North American Breeding Bird Survey estimates there are approximately 37 million breeding robin territories in the United States and Canada. Their abundance can vary across different regions. For example, in the state of Wisconsin there are approximately 2.3 million breeding robins based on survey data. Overall robins remain one of the most numerous and widespread bird species on the continent.
Ideal Habitat
American Robins thrive in areas that provide ideal nesting and foraging habitat. They prefer semi-open environments with a mix of short grass, scattered trees and shrubs, and nearby sources of water.
Some key features robins look for when selecting breeding habitat include:
- Open ground with grass or bare soil to dig for worms and insects
- Scattered shrubs and trees to provide nest sites 3-15 feet above ground
- Nearby water for drinking and bathing
- Suburban yards, parks, farms, and forest edges
Access to moist soil and abundant invertebrate prey is especially important when feeding nestlings. Robins will also readily visit bird feeders and platforms in yards for fruits, mealworms, and other foods.
In winter, robins can shift to feeding more on fruits and berries. They form large flocks that roam open habitats in search of food plants including junipers, sumacs, hollies, and ornamental trees.
Threats and Conservation
Despite their abundance, American Robins still face risks from habitat loss, pesticides, collisions, and climate change.
Habitat degradation is a primary threat across their range. Loss of forests, wetlands, and native grasslands removes key feeding and breeding sites. Increased urbanization also fragments robin populations.
Pesticides, both agricultural and lawn chemicals, pose a danger through direct exposure and by reducing insect prey. Robins are particularly vulnerable in orchards and suburban yards.
Window collisions are estimated to kill millions of robins each year in the U.S. and Canada. Their tendencies to fly low and linger near structures increases collision risk.
Climate change could affect robins through shifts in vegetation, increased drought, seasonal mismatches with prey, and exposure to diseases. Monitoring is needed to track regional population trends.
While American Robins remain common, continued conservation and habitat management will be important to ensure the species persists and thrives alongside human development. Protecting large tracts of forest and promoting native plantings can continue to benefit robins into the future.
American Robin Facts
Description
The American Robin is a medium-sized thrush measuring 8.5-11 inches in length and weighing 2.5-3 ounces. They have a stout, upright posture and long legs suited for running along the ground.
Distinctive field marks when seen from below include:
- Reddish-orange breast and underbelly
- White throat with black streaks
- White eye ring
- Yellow beak
- Gray back and head
Sexes appear similar, though females may have slightly duller plumage. Juveniles are heavily spotted on the breast with a paler beak.
Song and Calls
The song of the American Robin is a familiar sound of spring. Males sing boldly from high perches during the breeding season with a series of clear whistles. Their song includes phrases like “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up” or “cheer-lee, cheer-loo.”
Common calls include a sharp “tut tut tut” alarm, a hissing scream in aggression, and soft “whisper songs” between pairs. American Robins have a wide repertoire of vocalizations.
Behavior and Diet
American Robins are active diurnal birds non-stop movement as they forage across lawns and fields. They run in spurts, stop to listen and watch, and then dart after prey detected in the soil.
Worms and insects make up the majority of their diet. They also consume a wide variety of fruits and berries. Robins exhibit flocking behavior in winter while feeding and nightly roosting.
Aggressive defense of breeding territories is common as robins will chase rivals from nesting areas. They may even attack their own reflection in windows or mirrors!
Breeding and Nesting
Breeding Season | April to July |
---|---|
Clutch Size | 3-5 eggs |
Incubation Period | 12-14 days |
Fledging Period | 13-17 days |
Broods Per Season | 1-3 broods |
Nest sites are typically in trees or shrubs 3-15 feet above ground. The outer nest is built from mud, grasses, twigs, paper, and litter. It is then lined with finer grass and feathers.
Females lay 3-5 light blue eggs and incubate them for 12-14 days. Both parents feed the hatchlings which leave the nest at 13-17 days old. Robins may raise up to 3 broods per breeding season across their range.
Robin Populations by Region
Northeastern United States
American Robins are abundant year-round residents across the northeast. The breeding population in the New England states is estimated at over 5 million. Urban parks, suburban yards, and farms provide ideal habitat.
More northern areas see winter declines as birds migrate south for the coldest months. Spring migrant robins return early to the northeast – late March in southern areas and early April further north.
Southeastern United States
The southeast United States offers ample habitat for robins in both the breeding season and winter. Forest management is the primary conservation need, as clear-cutting can reduce available nesting sites.
Coastal areas provide critical stopover habitat for hundreds of thousands of robins each winter. Backyard bird feeding has also benefited southeastern robin populations.
Midwestern United States
Robins thrive across the agricultural landscapes of the Midwest. They nest in shelterbelts, fencerows, and yards. Farm policies that incentive native vegetation plantings may aid robins that rely on berries and fruits in winter.
The region sits within the main migration corridor for passages between Canada and southern wintering grounds. Huge waves of robins pass through the Midwest seasonally.
Western United States
Breeding populations in the West prefer mountain meadows, forest clearings, and urban environments. Riparian areas along streams offer vital nesting resources.
Coastal areas like western Washington and Oregon have some of the highest densities and breeding success for robins in the country.
Dry climates and grassland habitats in the interior west have fewer robins compared to wetter coastal regions.
Canada
American Robins breed across all of Canada’s provinces and territories. The total Canadian population is estimated at around 40 million.
Southern Ontario, Manitoba, and British Colombia have especially thriving populations. Farther north, boreal forests are less suitable for robins.
Most Canadian robins migrate south for the winter. Some may only travel short distances while others cross international borders into the United States.
Conclusion
With an estimated total population reaching 300 million, the American Robin remains one of the most abundant and recognizable bird species across North America. They thrive in human-altered habitats like suburbs, parks, and farms as well as at the edges of forests and open fields. Their tendency to nest close to human activity means they will likely continue to be a fixture in our daily lives for years to come. Maintaining a diversity of suitable habitats and reducing threats from window collisions and pesticides are key steps in ensuring robins remain common well into the future.