The American Robin is one of the most familiar and widespread birds in Oregon, found in nearly every habitat from deep forests to urban backyards. While both sexes share the iconic "robin" look, there are subtle but noticeable differences in their plumage and behavior.

General Characteristics (Both Sexes):
Size and Shape: They are relatively large, plump thrushes with a round body, long legs, and a fairly long tail. They typically measure around 10 inches in length
Plumage:
Upperparts: Both sexes have gray-brown backs and wings.
Underparts: The most distinctive feature is their warm, rusty-orange breast, belly, and flanks.
Head: Darker head, with white arcs around the eyes (often described as "spectacles").
Bill: A stout, yellow bill, often with a darker tip, especially outside of the breeding season.
Tail: Dark tail with small white tips on the outer corners, visible in flight.
Throat: White throat with dark streaks.
Behavior: American Robins are often seen foraging on lawns and in open areas, running a few steps and then stopping abruptly to listen for earthworms, which are a major part of their diet, especially in the spring. They also eat a wide variety of insects, berries, and fruits. They are highly social, especially outside of the breeding season, often forming large roosts.
Vocalization: Known for their cheerful, rich, caroling song, often described as "cheerily, cheer up, cheerio." They also have a variety of sharp alarm calls and softer contact calls.

Distinguishing Male and Female American Robins in Oregon:
While the overall pattern is the same, adult males and females can often be distinguished by the intensity of their coloration and the contrast in their head plumage.

Adult Male:
Head: Has a distinctly dark, often almost black, head that contrasts sharply with the gray-brown back.
Breast: The orange or rusty-red on the breast is typically deeper, richer, and more vibrant than on females.
Plumage Contrast: Overall, the male's plumage shows a greater contrast between the dark head, gray back, and rich orange breast.
Vocalization: Males are the primary singers, especially during the breeding season (spring and early summer), singing loudly and almost continuously to defend territory and attract mates. If you hear a robin singing its full song, it's almost certainly a male.
Size: Males tend to be slightly larger on average than females, though this difference is usually not noticeable in the field.

Adult Female:
Head: The head is paler, more grayish-brown, and blends more smoothly with the gray-brown back, showing less contrast than on the male.
Breast: The orange on the breast is typically paler, duller, and more of a reddish-orange or even yellowish-orange compared to the male's deep rusty-red.
Plumage Contrast: Overall, the female's plumage has a more subdued and less contrasting appearance, making her somewhat better camouflaged, which is beneficial for incubation.
Vocalization: Females do vocalize, but their songs are generally quieter and less frequent than the males'. They primarily use alarm calls and contact notes.
Nesting Behavior: The female is the primary nest builder (though the male may assist occasionally) and is the sole incubator of the eggs. If you see a robin sitting on a nest, it's a female.

Juvenile American Robins:
Young robins have a distinctive appearance that differs from both adults. Their breasts are heavily spotted, and their backs are often mottled or speckled. These spots fade as they mature into their first winter and then adult plumage.