robins

Robins are small to medium-sized songbirds referred to by regional names rather than a single taxon. The best-known examples are the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) and the American robin (Turdus migratorius). They belong to different genera within the thrush family, and while both are called robins, they differ in size, plumage, and habits. The name is also used for other thrushes in different regions, including some Australasian species.

The European robin is a small, compact bird with an orange-red face and breast, brown back, and pale underparts. It is predominantly resident across Europe and western Asia, with some northern populations moving short distances in winter. It forages on the ground for insects, worms, and berries and is noted for its melodious song delivered from low perches. The nest is a neat cup built in dense vegetation; clutches usually contain four to five eggs.

The American robin is larger, with gray-brown upperparts and a bright orange-red breast. It is widespread across North America and migrates in many northern areas. Its diet includes earthworms, insects, and fruit, often foraged on lawns. It builds a bulky nest in trees or shrubs; typical clutch is three to five eggs, with incubation around 12 to 14 days and fledging after about two weeks. Its song is a clear, melodious chorus common in spring.

Conservation status for both species is generally of least concern, though local populations may decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Robins are culturally prominent in many regions, valued for their presence in gardens and woodlands and for signaling the arrival of spring.