American Robin

The American Robin is a migratory songbird of the thrush family, famous for being one of the first heralds of spring. It features a dark gray back, a bright brick-red to orange breast, and a yellowish bill. They are energetic foragers frequently seen hopping across lawns in search of earthworms.

Dark slate gray to charcoal coloration with a faint lighter grayish-white edge or tip, typical of non-rust-colored body feathers.

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning into a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base.

Thin, flexible, dark central rachis with uniform barb density and an even angle radiating outward.

Smooth and soft in the pennaceous region with a velvety appearance, becoming fluffy and downy near the base.

Breast or upper flank, determined by the dark gray coloration and semi-fluffy basal structure typical of underparts contour feathers.

Uniform slate-gray coloration, small size suitable for a medium passerine, and a distinct semi-pluimaceous base.

Open woodlands, suburban lawns, parks, gardens, and agricultural fields across North America.

Widely distributed across North America, breeding from Alaska and Canada down to Mexico, wintering in the southern US and Central America.

Acts as an important seed disperser through fruit consumption and helps regulate invertebrate populations by preying heavily on earthworms and insects.

Other medium-sized thrushes and gray songbirds, though the distinct charcoal gray tone helps separate robin body feathers.

Despite being called a harbinger of spring, many American Robins actually winter in northern areas if food sources like berries remain available, rather than migrating south.

The American Robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Its presence is culturally celebrated as a sign of changing seasons.

Look for dark gray contour feathers near lawns or beneath common perching trees where robins frequently forage.

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean shaft, showing minimal wear or fraying.