American Robin vs African Thrush

Turdus migratorius compared with Turdus pelios

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Robin African Thrush
Scientific Name Turdus migratorius Turdus pelios
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) 22.1 cm (8.7 in)
Weight 77.0 g (2.72 oz) 60.5 g (2.13 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
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Size Comparison

Body Length
American Robin 25.0 cm
African Thrush
Wingspan
American Robin 36.0 cm
African Thrush 22.1 cm
Weight
American Robin 77.0 g
African Thrush 60.5 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Robin only

African Thrush only

None

American Robin

Lawns, parks, gardens, farmland, and forest edges. One of the most familiar birds in suburban North America.

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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.

African Thrush

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Geographic Range & Migration

American Robin

North America from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are largely resident.

African Thrush

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Robin

Least Concern

African Thrush

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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

African Thrush

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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.

African Thrush

The African Thrush is a widespread, medium-sized thrush weighing about 60 g with a wingspan near 22 cm. It inhabits forests, gardens, and wooded areas across sub-Saharan Africa, foraging on the ground for earthworms, fruits, and insects while delivering a rich, melodious song.

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Related Comparisons

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