American Robin vs Oriental Stork
Turdus migratorius compared with Ciconia boyciana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Robin | Oriental Stork |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius | Ciconia boyciana |
| Order | Passeriformes | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Turdidae | Ciconiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) | 115.0 cm (45.3 in) |
| Wingspan | 36.0 cm (14.2 in) | 220.0 cm (86.6 in) |
| Weight | 77.0 g (2.72 oz) | 5000.0 g (176.37 oz) |
| Diet | Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … | Fish, frogs, snakes, large insects, and small mammals caught in shallow wetlands. Feeds by wading … |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
American Robin
Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, and forest edges. One of the most familiar birds in suburban North America.
Oriental Stork
Wetlands, flooded rice paddies, rivers, and marshes. Nests on tall trees, utility poles, and artificial platforms.
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.
Oriental Stork
Essentially silent like all storks; produces loud mechanical bill-clattering at the nest as a greeting display. Chicks beg with hissing and squeaking. Rarely vocalizes otherwise.
Geographic Range & Migration
American Robin
North America from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are largely resident.
Oriental Stork
Breeds in the Russian Far East and northeastern China. Winters in southeastern China, Japan, and Korea.
Conservation Status
American Robin
Oriental Stork
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
Oriental Stork
White body plumage with black flight feathers. Red bare skin around the eye and black bill distinguish it from the white stork. Pinkish-red legs.
Long, thick, straight, black bill
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.
Oriental Stork
The oriental stork is one of the most endangered stork species, with fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. It was once widespread across East Asia but declined dramatically due to wetland drainage and pesticide use. Reintroduction programs in Japan and Korea have achieved notable success.