The days are getting longer, the air holds a scent of freshness, crocuses pop out of the soil. Yes, spring is on its way. But for many natives of North America, it won't seem like spring until a certain bird appears. With their sprightly step, bright red breast, and cheerful song, American Robins have long been seen as the harbingers of spring. But is this really accurate? Just where do robins choose to migrate when the temperatures begin to drop, and are they really the first birds to return in the spring?
Getting to Know the American Robin and Its Habitat
The American Robin, or Turdus migratorius, is a member of the thrush family, the largest member in fact. As a species it is easily identifiable by its bright orange breast feathers and its cheerful song. Robins can be found in virtually every type of habitat in North America; from open spaces like fields, pastures, and parks, to more confined areas like pine forests, shrubby areas, and woodlands. Their extreme adaptability to both suburban and wilderness habitats has made them a common sight across the continent, from the cold northern climate of Alaska to the balmier climate of Mexico.
Migratory Habits When the Temperatures Drop
However, robins do not always migrate south in the winter. When the days begin to shorten and the first frosts of winter appear, some robins may indeed choose to migrate. If this is the case they will spend the winter months in the southern states of the American continent, Mexico, or perhaps even as far south as Central America. But some robins choose not to migrate and will instead spend the winter months in their natural breeding habitats. Those that choose not to migrate will be much less visible because in the winter months robins usually roost together in large flocks in more wooded areas.
Read more at Suite101: American Robin - Harbinger of Spring: Do American Robins Signify Warmer Weather? http://bird-habitats.suite101.com/article.cfm/american-robin-harbinger-of-spring#ixzz0oH000z6D
Getting to Know the American Robin and Its Habitat
The American Robin, or Turdus migratorius, is a member of the thrush family, the largest member in fact. As a species it is easily identifiable by its bright orange breast feathers and its cheerful song. Robins can be found in virtually every type of habitat in North America; from open spaces like fields, pastures, and parks, to more confined areas like pine forests, shrubby areas, and woodlands. Their extreme adaptability to both suburban and wilderness habitats has made them a common sight across the continent, from the cold northern climate of Alaska to the balmier climate of Mexico.
Migratory Habits When the Temperatures Drop
However, robins do not always migrate south in the winter. When the days begin to shorten and the first frosts of winter appear, some robins may indeed choose to migrate. If this is the case they will spend the winter months in the southern states of the American continent, Mexico, or perhaps even as far south as Central America. But some robins choose not to migrate and will instead spend the winter months in their natural breeding habitats. Those that choose not to migrate will be much less visible because in the winter months robins usually roost together in large flocks in more wooded areas.
Read more at Suite101: American Robin - Harbinger of Spring: Do American Robins Signify Warmer Weather? http://bird-habitats.suite101.com/article.cfm/american-robin-harbinger-of-spring#ixzz0oH000z6D