American Robin vs Russet-tailed Thrush

Turdus migratorius compared with Zoothera heinei

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Robin Russet-tailed Thrush
Scientific Name Turdus migratorius Zoothera heinei
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) 24.3 cm (9.6 in)
Weight 77.0 g (2.72 oz) 93.0 g (3.28 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

Size Comparison

Body Length
American Robin 25.0 cm
Russet-tailed Thrush
Wingspan
American Robin 36.0 cm
Russet-tailed Thrush 24.3 cm
Weight
American Robin 77.0 g
Russet-tailed Thrush 93.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Robin only

Russet-tailed 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.

Russet-tailed 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.

Russet-tailed Thrush

Conservation Status

Least Concern

American Robin

Least Concern

Russet-tailed 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

Russet-tailed 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