The Early Bird:
American Robin

The American Robin is one of North America's most widespread, familiar, and well-loved songbirds. Although homesick settlers named it after the European Robin because of its reddish-orange breast, the two species are not closely related. The American Robin is a thrush, related to the Wood Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, and Varied Thrush, while the European Robin is an Old World Flycatcher.

In late winter, male American Robins begin to sing their cheerful, caroling song (cheerily cheer-up cheerio…), a sure harbinger of springtime for many. The early chorus continues through spring, into summer. Birders often use the robin's loud, musical song as a reference point when learning other bird songs. Read on to hear and compare a few similar-sounding songs!