American Robin

About the American Robin

Few birds are as familiar as the American Robin - a large, upright thrush with a warm brick-orange breast, a dark gray back, and a cheerful, caroling song that is one of the first sounds of a spring morning across much of the country. A white eye-ring and a broken white throat complete the look.

Robins famously hunt earthworms on lawns, running and pausing with head cocked as they watch and listen for movement, but for much of the year they are just as devoted to fruit, roaming in flocks to strip berry-laden trees and shrubs.

In Texas the robin is most numerous in winter, when large flocks pour in from the north to feast on juniper berries, hackberries, and yaupon; smaller numbers stay to breed, especially in towns and the eastern half of the state.

A note from behind the lens: winter fruit is your best opportunity - stake out a berry-heavy tree and let the flock come to you. Overcast light is kind to that orange breast, and a bird with a berry in its bill makes the shot.