European Robin and American Robin

      There have been several blog posts and numerous comments recently indicating a level of confusion between European Robin and American Robin. The two birds are not closely related; perhaps what follows will add some clarity. 

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

     This small, endearing little bird is found in the family Muscicapidae (Chats and Old World Flycatchers). The genus, Erithacus is from Greek, meaning 'robin', the specific epithet rubecula is derived from Latin, meaning 'red.'

     It has a variable song, both in tempo and capacity, but always pleasing to the ear. Some have described sections of the song as having tones of clear "glass chimes". The fact that the bird sings year round endears it to human admirers.

     European Robin readily associates with humans and is known to keep company with gardeners, waiting patiently as they turn over the earth, and darting down to snag worms and other invertebrates uncovered by the spade. They have even been known to perch on a gardener's shoulder or hat in expectation of treats, and will come to the hand for mealworms.

     European Robins are very catholic in their choice of nest sites, usually looking for some sort of hollow offering support and shelter. Tree roots and ivy-covered walls are often favoured, but discarded boots, old teakettles and rusting tractors have all been selected. The standard clutch is five eggs.

     The young have a mottled appearance until their first moult when they gradually acquire typical adult plumage.

Biometrics: Length - 13-14 cm. Weight - 16-22 grams.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

     Familiar to all who live in North America, American Robin is placed in the family Turdidae (Thrushes). The genus Turdus meaning thrush is derived from Latin, as is the specific epithet migratorius meaning migratory. Thus, the bird should perhaps more correctly be named Migratory Thrush, or a case could be made for Red-breasted Thrush. A robin it is not!

     It is generally believed that early European settlers in North America, nostalgic for the home they had left behind, named the first bird they saw with a red breast "robin." The name is so well-established and beloved it is hard to conceive of it being changed now.

     The sweet song of the American Robin is heard most loudly at dawn and dusk, but is often heard during the day, and is instantly recognizable by even the most casual observer. It has been described in various ways, but the word "cheer" seems to be universally applied and an interpretation of the song might be, "Cheer-up, cheerily, cheer-up, cheer-up, cheerily." Human renditions of bird song are at best subjective, often inaccurate, and draw heavily on the phonetics of the observer's native tongue.

     American Robin was traditionally regarded as the harbinger of spring, but as mean winter temperatures remain consistently warmer than in the past, many forgo migration and remain year-round.

     While American Robins will eat worms it is a common misconception that it is a food prized above all others. They readily consume spiders, invertebrates such as ants, flies and termites, caterpillars, berries, seeds and other plant-based items. By the end of summer 90 percent of the robin's diet is fruit.

     American Robins build their nests in suitable bushes or trees or on a horizontal surface, readily taking advantage of decks, patios, fence rails and bridges. One was even reported on top of a tombstone. Four eggs seems to be the normal clutch, but three and five are also reported.

     Young birds have a speckled breast, otherwise they resemble adults.

     Juveniles are generally cared for by the their father for about two weeks after leaving the nest while the female initiates a second brood.

Biometrics: Length - 22.5-27.5 cm. Weight 71-85 grams.

     I hope that this very brief examination of the two species is helpful.