American Robin vs Karoo Thrush
Turdus migratorius compared with Turdus smithi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Robin | Karoo Thrush |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius | Turdus smithi |
| 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) | 24.4 cm (9.6 in) |
| Weight | 77.0 g (2.72 oz) | 73.0 g (2.58 oz) |
| Diet | Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | 1-4 |
| 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.
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.
Karoo 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.
Karoo Thrush
Conservation Status
American Robin
Karoo 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
Karoo 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.