American Robin vs Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
Turdus migratorius compared with Catharus mexicanus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Robin | Black-headed Nightingale-thrush |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius | Catharus mexicanus |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae | Turdidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) | 17.8 cm (7.0 in) |
| Weight | 77.0 g (2.72 oz) | 31.5 g (1.11 oz) |
| Diet | Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
American Robin only
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush only
None
American Robin
Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, and forest edges. One of the most familiar birds in suburban North America.
Song & Call Comparison
American Robin
A clear, caroling song of 2-3 note phrases: 'cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio'. Sings from dawn perches. Sharp 'tut-tut-tut' alarm call and thin 'seeee' flight note.
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
Geographic Range & Migration
American Robin
North America from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are largely resident.
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
Conservation Status
American Robin
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
How to Tell Them Apart
American Robin
Dark grey-brown upperparts with a warm brick-red breast and belly. White eye-ring and streaked white throat. Female slightly paler.
Bright yellow bill with a dark tip
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
About These Birds
American Robin
The American robin is widely regarded as a harbinger of spring across North America. Despite its name, it is a true thrush unrelated to the European robin. American robins produce two to three broods per year and are among the earliest birds to sing in the morning chorus.
Black-headed Nightingale-thrush
The Black-headed Nightingale-thrush is a medium-sized, secretive thrush with a black head, gray body, and bright orange bill and eye ring. It inhabits humid montane forests from Mexico through Guatemala and Honduras to Nicaragua, typically at elevations from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. It forages on the forest floor and in low undergrowth for fruits, berries, and invertebrates, producing a beautiful, melodious song.