American Robin

Turdus migratorius

The American Robin is a very common and familiar bird across the state.  Well adapted to living with humans, they will readily nest and forage near dwellings (as the photo to the right shows).  They are often seen in suburban settings, running across lawns as they forage. 

Habitat: Residential areas, parks, farmland, forests.  Often near berry sources when wintering.

Diet: Mostly fruit and berries, insects, and earthworms. 

Behavior: Primarily forages on the ground, where earthworms are a favorite item.  Will also forage in trees and shrubs for berries.  During the winter months, they tend to become more concentrated and localized, especially in the northern part of their range.

Nesting: Late April through July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: American Robin Song, also American Robin Call

Migration: Migratory, but gathers in large flocks and can be found in scattered locations in the winter.  Wide variation in numbers from winter to winter and from location to location.

Similar Species: Varied Thrush (rare winter visitor to South Dakota)

Feeders: Breadcrumbs.  Note that I personally have had Robins feed on shelled sunflower kernels that had fallen on the ground below a hanging feeder.

Birdhouses: Will use nesting shelves.  Also will nest on semi-protected areas of buildings

Conservation Status: Numbers are stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, American Robin

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - American Robin"

3) eNature.com: American Robin

Photo Information: June 21st, 2001 -- Brandon, Minnehaha County -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution American Robin photos.