American Robin vs Northern Cardinal

Turdus migratorius comparé à Cardinalis cardinalis

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut American Robin Northern Cardinal
Nom scientifique Turdus migratorius Cardinalis cardinalis
Ordre Passeriformes Passeriformes
Famille Turdidae Cardinalidae
Statut de conservation Least Concern Least Concern
Longueur 25,0 cm (9.8 in) 22,0 cm (8.7 in)
Envergure 36,0 cm (14.2 in) 30,0 cm (11.8 in)
Poids 77,0 g (2.72 oz) 44,0 g (1.55 oz)
Régime alimentaire Earthworms, insects, and fruit. Famously hunts earthworms on lawns by running, stopping, and tilting its … Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly …
Taille de la couvée 2-4 1-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
American Robin 25,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 22,0 cm
Envergure
American Robin 36,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 30,0 cm
Poids
American Robin 77,0 g
Northern Cardinal 44,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

American Robin only

Northern Cardinal only

Aucun(e)

American Robin

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

Northern Cardinal

Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.

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Song & Call Comparison

American Robin

Chant

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.

Northern Cardinal

Chant

Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.

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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.

Northern Cardinal

Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.

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Statut de conservation

Least Concern

American Robin

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

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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.

Bec

Bright yellow bill with a dark tip

Northern Cardinal

Plumage

Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.

Bec

Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill

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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.

Northern Cardinal

The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.

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Related Comparisons

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