American Robin or Varied Thrush?
Here's how to tell the difference
American Robin
Varied Thrush
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
General appearance
The American Robin is about 10 inches (25 cm) in size, or the size of a robin. It has a brick-red chest and a gray back with streaks on the white chin. Additionally, small white spots are visible around its eyes, as well as usually on tail corners. The wings are pointed and the tail is rounded and square-tipped.
Male vs female
Males exhibit a slightly blacker head and richer colors compared to the females. Despite these differences, both genders feature the signature black, brown, orange, red, and yellow colors.
Juvenile
The juvenile American Robin can appear confusing, due to the heavy spotting below, mottling on the back, and pale marks on the face. However, a distinguishing feature to identify a juvenile is the reddish tinge visible on its chest.
Size
7.9 - 11.0 in/2.7 - 3.0 oz
There's more to learn about American Robin
View full detailsVaried Thrush
Ixoreus naevius
General appearance
The Varied Thrush is about the size of a Robin, measuring between 9-10 inches (23-25 cm). Distinctive features include an orange throat and eyebrow, a dark chest band, and extensive orange markings on the wings. The bird has a black, blue, brown, and gray coloration. Lastly, its tail shape can vary between rounded to square-tipped.
Male vs female
The male and female Varied Thrush have slight distinctions. The female is duller than the male in terms of coloration. While both sexes have the same varying palette of black, blue, brown, gray, and orange, the female's upperparts are conspicuously paler in comparison.
Juvenile
Juvenile Varied Thrushes exhibit mottling on their chests, but their wing pattern is identical to that of adults. Despite not having fully adopted their adult colorations, the orange wing markings are already prominent, aiding in their identification in the wild.
Size
7.5 - 10.4 in/2.3 - 3.5 oz
There's more to learn about Varied Thrush
View full detailsHow to tell the American Robin from the Varied Thrush
Visual differences
The American Robin typically measures 10 inches and has a brick-red chest, gray back, white chin streaks, and small white eye spots. It also features pointed wings and a rounded, square-tipped tail. The Varied Thrush is similar in size (9-10 inches) with an orange throat and eyebrow, a dark chest band, and extensive orange wing markings. It displays black and gray coloration, with males exhibiting more vivid colors. Both species share some plumage colors but are distinguishable by the Robin's red chest and the Thrush's orange throat and chest band.
Key differences and behavior
The American Robin and the Varied Thrush exhibit distinct behaviors and habitats. The American Robin is adaptable, thriving in urban areas and diverse habitats, while the Varied Thrush prefers dense, coastal coniferous forests. Robins establish territories through songs and engage in fights, whereas Varied Thrushes sing mainly at dawn and dusk to defend territories. American Robins build nests on horizontal branches, often with mud, whereas Varied Thrushes construct nests in conifers, using twigs and bark. In terms of diet, both birds consume insects in summer, but Robins lean towards earthworms, while Varied Thrushes include millipedes and spiders. In winter, both focus on fruits, though the Varied Thrush also feeds on seeds and acorns. Robins are occasional ground feeders at bird feeders, unlike the Varied Thrush, which less frequently visits feeders but may consume seeds and fruits when present. Both parent pairs participate in chick-rearing once hatched.
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