Publish date:
Updated on

How to Identify Birds: American Robin

The American robin summers throughout most of North America. With these guidelines, you should have no difficulty spotting one.


  • Step 1: Observe the bird's size and shape Consider the bird's appearance through binoculars and compare it with the pictures in your field guide. American robins are about 10 inches long and have large, round bodies, long legs, and an elongated tail.
  • Step 2: Observe the bird's coloring Observe the bird's coloring. American robins are grayish brown with dark heads and breasts that can vary in color from light brown to brick red. The heads of females are paler than those of males.
  • Step 3: Observe the bird's behavior Pay attention to the bird's behavior. American robins stand erect, with their beaks tilted upward when looking over their surroundings. When they land on the ground, they often flick their tails several times.
  • TIP: American robins are frequently seen running across lawns and meadows in search of earthworms. They also eat insects and berries.
  • Step 4: Observe the bird's habitat Examine the bird's habitat. Away from humans, robins prefer deciduous woodlands, pine forests, shrub lands, and regenerated forests. Closer to people, they may occupy gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, and pastures.
  • FACT: The average life span of the American robin is about two years.

You Will Need

  • Binoculars
  • A field guide

Popular Categories