American Robin vs Brown-headed Thrush

Turdus migratorius compared with Turdus chrysolaus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Robin Brown-headed Thrush
Scientific Name Turdus migratorius Turdus chrysolaus
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) 23.9 cm (9.4 in)
Weight 77.0 g (2.72 oz) 72.5 g (2.56 oz)
Diet Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … --
Clutch Size 2-4 2-5
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
American Robin 25.0 cm
Brown-headed Thrush
Wingspan
American Robin 36.0 cm
Brown-headed Thrush 23.9 cm
Weight
American Robin 77.0 g
Brown-headed Thrush 72.5 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Robin only

Brown-headed Thrush only

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.

Brown-headed 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.

Brown-headed Thrush

Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Robin

Least Concern

Brown-headed 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

Brown-headed 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.

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