American Robin vs Chestnut-backed Thrush

Turdus migratorius compared with Geokichla dohertyi

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Robin Chestnut-backed Thrush
Scientific Name Turdus migratorius Geokichla dohertyi
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Turdidae Turdidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Near Threatened
Length 25.0 cm (9.8 in)
Wingspan 36.0 cm (14.2 in) 20.1 cm (7.9 in)
Weight 77.0 g (2.72 oz) 47.3 g (1.67 oz)
Diet Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … --
Clutch Size 2-4 3
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
American Robin 25.0 cm
Chestnut-backed Thrush
Wingspan
American Robin 36.0 cm
Chestnut-backed Thrush 20.1 cm
Weight
American Robin 77.0 g
Chestnut-backed Thrush 47.3 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Robin only

Chestnut-backed 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

Song

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.

Chestnut-backed 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.

Chestnut-backed Thrush

Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Robin

Near Threatened

Chestnut-backed Thrush

How to Tell Them Apart

American Robin

Plumage

Dark grey-brown upperparts with a warm brick-red breast and belly. White eye-ring and streaked white throat. Female slightly paler.

Bill

Bright yellow bill with a dark tip

Chestnut-backed 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.

Related Comparisons

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family