Thrush bird falls into the large category of passerine (perching) birds. Both the American and European Robins are part of this large family of birds that include some of the best and brightest singers. The American Robin is a common sight in North America and its appearance traditionally heralds the coming of spring, even though they can stay near their nesting areas year round. Formally know as the Turdus Migratorius, it is part of the Turdae family. The American Robin is most at home in deep mature forests, but thanks to its adaptability the robin has made many human habitats their home. Easily one of he most recognizable birds in the North America the American Robin is known for its bright red breast, other features include gray wings and back with a dark head accented by white eye crescents; females look similar, but have lighter colored heads. The American Robin stands about 8-11’’ high, and can live up to 14 years! Just like humans, Robins like different food at different times during the day. In the mornings, Robins can be seen rooting for worms on grassy lawns, but by afternoon other bugs and fruit are on the menu.
When it comes to their young, Robins are famous for their “Robin’s Egg Blue” eggs and can raise up to three successful broods in a year. As is the case in the wild not all of these young broods will make it to see the next year, and on average an entire Robin population will completely turn over with in six years.
A cousin of the American Robin the European Robin its formally know as the Erithacus rubecula. This beloved little critter is the national bird of Britain, as voted by the public nearly 40 years ago. The European Robin is smaller than the American, and can be identified by its distinctive red face and breast, and brown wings and back. The red breast is bordered by a thin gray-blue border. Male and females look alike but juveniles have a spotted, scalloped plumage with no red. Another difference from the American Robin is that the European Robin lays brown eggs. Ranging across Europe including the Mediterranean islands, North Africa, east to West Siberia and Iran, they are naturally quite timid birds, but also very intelligent. In the wild they follow the foraging animals and pick up what they leave behind. In human habitats, Robins have made friends with gardeners and love to scoop up the worms and bugs that get turned over in the soil. Weather in America or Europe both of these red breasted critters are easily recognizable and adaptable, so keep your eye out as spring gets underway!
To learn more about birds like this try out this amazing book (the bird calls are so clear!). And this one and this one aren't too shabby either!
Happy Birdwatching!
Source material from books listed above and also found here and here.
