American Robin (Robin, Migratory Thrush)

The American Robin is a migratory songbird known for its cheerful song and bright reddish-orange breast. This contour feather exhibits the iconic warm rust-orange color of its underparts, blending into the slate grey tones found near the skin.

Vibrant rusty orange-red at the distal tip fading into greyish-brown and charcoal at the fluffy base, with a pale whitish-tan central rachis.

Pennaceous at the upper tip transitioning smoothly into plumulaceous (fluffy) downy barbs at the base with an incipient afterfeather.

Thin, flexible, straw-colored to whitish rachis with fine, evenly spaced barbs radiating outwards at a moderate angle.

Soft and silky at the base with a slightly firmer, smooth, matte pennaceous tip.

Breast or upper flank, displaying the characteristic warm reddish-orange coloration typical of the underparts.

Distinctive gradient from vibrant rusty-orange at the tip to greyish-brown with a fluffy base, typical of thrush breast feathers.

Woodlands, forests, suburban yards, parks, gardens, and agricultural fields.

Widespread across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada down to Mexico, with northern populations migrating south for the winter.

Important seed disperser for various berry-producing plants and a major consumer of soil invertebrates.

Other thrush species such as Varied Thrush or Eastern Bluebird, though the specific shade and gradient distinguish the American Robin.

American Robins can eat up to 14 percent of their body weight in earthworms daily, plus large quantities of berries and fruit.

Widely recognized cultural symbol of the arrival of spring in North America. Feathers are occasionally studied by naturalists and educators.

Look near backyard lawns, shrubs, and under roosting trees during spring and autumn molt periods.

Good condition, clean with intact barbs and no major fraying or structural damage.