17 Different Types of Robin Birds

Robin birds in winter

Across the globe, different types of robin birds grace forests, gardens, and woodlands! They display a remarkable variety in size, coloration, and habitat preferences, which proves their adaptive versatility. 

While some species are admired for their bright, bold colors, others are more subdued and blend seamlessly into their natural environments. Nevertheless, they’re as equally stunning and intriguing.

Interested to learn more about different types of robins? Check out this comprehensive list!

17 Types of Robin Birds

1. American Robin

American Robin
Scientific Name:Turdus migratorius
Common Name:American Robin
Size:9.1–11 in (23–28 cm)
Weight:2.7–3 oz (77–85 g)
Wingspan:12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 14 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Bright orange-red breast, gray back, and white lower belly

The American Robin is a familiar sight across North America. This bird is known for its bright orange-red breast and melodic song. 

American Robins have a diverse diet and feed on fruits, berries, and small invertebrates. They are also often spotted hopping across lawns while foraging for worms and insects.

They are adaptable birds as they thrive in varied environments like woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are also unique as they build their nests out of mud.

During winter, American Robins often gather in large flocks and travel to areas where food is abundant. They play a significant role in spreading seeds, and they greatly contribute to the health of their ecosystems.

2. European Robin

European Robin
Scientific Name:Erithacus rubecula
Common Name:European Robin
Size:5.1–5.5 in (13–14 cm)
Weight:0.56–0.71 oz (16–20 g)
Wingspan:7.9–8.7 in (20–22 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 5 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Orange face and breast with a gray back, known for its sweet song

The European Robin is a small, charismatic bird commonly found across Europe and parts of Asia. Unlike its American counterpart, it has a distinctive orange face and breasts set against a grey-brown body. 

This bird is famous for its sweet, warbling song, often heard throughout the year. They also have a close association with humans and are commonly seen in gardens and parks.

As for feeding, these birds eat insects, spiders, and worms. You’ll often see them flicking leaves in your yard to uncover hidden prey. However, in winter, they switch to fruits and seeds. 

Fun Fact: European robins are the best pals of British and Irish gardeners. These fearless little birds love to hang out around people, especially when there’s soil being dug up. 

Meanwhile, across continental Europe, robins weren’t always as lucky and were often hunted like many other small birds. 

3. Rufous-backed Robin

Rufous backed Robin
Scientific Name:Turdus rufopalliatus
Common Name:Rufous-backed Robin
Size:9–10 in (23–25 cm)
Weight:2.3–3.1 oz (65–88 g)
Wingspan:15.5 in (39.4 cm)
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Rufous back with a white throat and underparts

The Rufous-backed Robin is a lesser-known species primarily found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It stands out with its rufous-colored back, which contrasts with its white throat and belly. 

These birds are more elusive and less known than their American and European relatives.

Moreover, they prefer habitats like riparian woodlands and tropical areas. This is why they migrate to warmer regions during colder months. 

As for their nesting habits, they’re pretty similar to other robins, which means they favor trees and shrubs for nest placement. 

4. White-throated Robin

White throated Robin
Scientific Name:Irania gutturalis
Common Name:White-throated Robin
Size:5.9–6.3 in (15–16 cm)
Weight:0.6–1 oz (18–30 g)
Wingspan:11–11.8 in (28–30 cm)
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Striking white throat against a dark grey body

The White-throated Robin is a striking bird primarily found in the rocky hills of southwestern Asia. They’re notable for their distinct white throat, which contrasts sharply with their black head and tail. 

As the breeding season approaches, their unique colors become even more vivid, highlighting their beauty. 

This transformation not only enhances their visual appeal but also plays a role in their mating rituals. Their distinct throat patch becomes very attractive during this crucial period.

5. Siberian Blue Robin

Siberian Blue Robin
Scientific Name:Larvivora cyane
Common Name:Siberian Blue Robin
Size:5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
Weight:0.5–0.7 oz (14–20 g)
Wingspan:8.5 in (21.5 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 15 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Males have bright blue underparts, and females are brown with slight blue tails.

The Siberian Blue Robin is a small, elusive bird with a stunning blue plumage and contrasting white belly. They are found in the dense forests of Siberia and are known for their shy nature and striking appearance. 

In their natural habitat, Siberian Blue Robins are primarily ground feeders, focusing on insects and small invertebrates. Their foraging is unique – they are very agile, and they dart quickly across the forest floor. 

During winter, these birds migrate to Southeast Asia and adapt to a variety of forest habitats.

Fun Fact: The Siberian Blue Robin has experienced quite the journey across bird families. Originally grouped with the thrushes in the Turdidae family, it has since found a new classification among the Old World flycatchers of the Muscicapidae family. 

These birds, along with their relatives, are often referred to as chats, typical of small European robin species. 

6. Black Robin

Black Robin
Image credit: frances schmechel
Scientific Name:Petroica traversi
Common Names:Black Robin, Chatham Island Robin
Size:3.9–5.9 in (10-15cm)
Weight:0.7–0.8 oz (22-25 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Up to 13 years
Conservation Status:Endangered
Unique Features:Entirely black plumage

The Black Robin, characterized by its distinctive all-black feathers, is famous not just for its appearance but also for its compelling story of survival. 

Once classified as one of the world’s most endangered species in the 1980s with only five birds remaining, Black Robins represent a remarkable journey in conservation.

Intriguingly, it was their own behavior that nearly led to their downfall. These birds are naturally curious and unafraid of humans, a trait that, while charming, exposed them to risks and vulnerabilities. 

Today, the Black Robin remains endangered, with only 250 birds alive. But thanks to a technique called cross-fostering, growth in their population is no longer far-fetch.

7. Red-capped Robin

Red capped Robin
Scientific Name:Petroica goodenovii
Common Name:Red-capped Robin
Size:4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
Weight:0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g)
Wingspan:5.9–7.7 in (15–19.5 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 6 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Males have a distinctive red cap and black body, while females are grey-brown.

The Red-capped Robin is a small Australian bird, notable for the striking red cap of the male. 

This feature makes them easily distinguishable in their native arid shrublands and eucalyptus forests. The female, in contrast, is a more subdued brown but equally elegant.

In dry environments, Red-capped Robins are vital for controlling insect populations. They have a unique hunting style and are seen darting from low perches to catch their prey.

Aside from their hunting prowess, these robins also play a significant role in local folklore and culture. During my fieldwork in Western Australia, I had the chance to talk with local Indigenous communities about these birds.

They shared with me that the Red-capped Robin is often seen as a messenger of change in their folklore and indicates the shift of seasons or the presence of water sources nearby. 

These birds, through stories passed down generations, embody resilience and adaptability — qualities highly revered in their culture.

8. Flame Robin

Flame Robin
Scientific Name:Petroica phoenicea
Common Name:Flame Robin
Size:5–5.5 in (12.5–14 cm)
Weight:0.4–0.5 oz (11–14 g)
Wingspan:9.8–12.2 in (25–31 cm)
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Near Threatened
Unique Features:Males have a bright orange-red breast and a dark slate back.

The Flame Robin is an eye-catching bird that calls southeastern Australia and Tasmania its home. 

Males flaunt a bright orange breast and throat against a slate grey back and head, while the female wears a more subdued palette of grey-brown with a pale buff wing stripe.

These robins thrive in forests and woodlands, but they venture into open areas and gardens during winter. 

When it’s time to breed, the female builds the nest out of grass and bark, using spider webs to hold it together. It’s usually placed in a tree or rock cavity.

9. Orange-breasted Forest Robin

Orange breasted Forest Robin
Image credit: Charles J. Sharp
Scientific Name:Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Common Name:Orange-breasted Forest Robin
Size:4.7 in (12 cm)
Weight:0.6 oz (18 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Dark upperparts with yellow-orange throat and chest

The Orange-breasted Forest Robin is a striking bird found in the rainforests of Central and West Africa. It’s recognized for its vibrant orange throat, which contrasts with its gray-to-brown back and white belly. 

A key feature that sets it apart is the white spot in front of its eye. These birds prefer dense forest areas and riverbanks for their habitat​​.

One of their unique aspects is their song. The males and females perform a duet, with the male producing high-pitched whistles and the female adding a chattering sound. 

This behavior not only adds to the richness of the forest’s soundscape but also highlights their complex social interactions​​.

10. White-browed Robin-Chat

White browed Robin Chat
Scientific Name:Cossypha heuglini
Common Name:White-browed Robin-Chat
Size:7.5–7.9 in (19–20 cm)
Weight:1.0–1.8 oz (29–51 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Up to 11 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Fiery orange underparts and collar, dark mask, and crown split by white eyebrows

The White-browed Robin-Chat is famous for its dark mask and crown that is neatly split by broad white eyebrows against an olive-gray back and wings. 

Preferring forest thickets and well-developed woodlands, these birds have adapted to forage on the ground while keeping their melodies flowing from mid-canopy.

Notably, White-browed Robin-Chats are classified as a least-concern species, indicating a stable population. 

They currently have a widespread presence across Africa, and their habitat extends to riverine forests and thickets.

Check out this video of a White-browed Robin-Chat for a closer look:

White browed Robin Chat

11. Bagobo Robin

Bagobo Robin
Image credit: Chetatata
Scientific Name:Leonardina woodi
Common Names:Bagobo Robin, Bagobo Babbler
Size:7.8 in (20 cm)
Weight:Not well documented
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Deep brown feathers and a slight reddish hue on its underparts

The Bagobo Robin is a lesser-known bird found in the Philippines, specifically in the Mindanao region. It has a distinctive appearance with its deep brown feathers and a slight reddish hue on its underparts. 

They’re named after the Bagobo tribe and reflect the cultural heritage of their habitat.

Specifically, these robins inhabit dense mountain forests, where they blend into the rich undergrowth. They prefer high elevations, and they’re often hidden away from the casual observer.

Bagobo Robins are elusive, and much about their behavior remains a mystery. However, it’s known that they have a melodious call, which adds to the symphony of sounds in their mountainous home. 

12. White-starred Robin

White starred Robin
Scientific Name:Pogonocichla stellata
Common Name:White-starred Robin
Size:5.9–6.3 in (15–16 cm)
Weight:0.63–0.88 oz (18–25 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:White stars across its breast and dark plumage

The White-starred Robin is easily identified by its striking white stars across its breast and dark plumage. It’s found across various parts of sub-Saharan Africa, from Kenya to South Africa, where it inhabits forests and thickets.

These birds are known to be adaptable since they live in both moist forests and dry woodland areas. 

However, they’re more noteworthy for their vocalizations. Their song, which is a quiet series of whistled notes, can often be the only indication of their presence, as they tend to be shy and inconspicuous birds. 

Additionally, they emit low, raspy calls and a repeated series of piping whistles that vary in pitch.

13. Oriental Magpie Robin

Oriental Magpie Robin
Scientific Name:Copsychus saularis
Common Name:Oriental Magpie Robin
Size:7.5–8.3 in (19–21 cm)
Weight:0.6–1.4 oz (17–40 g)
Wingspan:11.2 in (28.5 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 12 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Black and white plumage; males have a white wing bar.

The Oriental Magpie Robin is a small, striking bird typically found across South and Southeast Asia. Known for their black and white plumage, these birds showcase a stark contrast that’s hard to miss. 

Moreover, these robins adapt well to a variety of environments, from dense forests to urban gardens. They also thrive in close proximity to humans, which makes them a common sight in backyards.

Another significant trait of the Oriental Magpie Robins is their singing ability. Males are particularly vocal during the breeding season, and they use a range of whistles and chirps to attract mates and defend their territory.

14. Clay-colored Robin

Clay colored Robin
Scientific Name:Turdus grayi
Common Name:Clay-colored Robin
Size:9–10 in (23–25 cm)
Weight:2.61–2.68 oz (74–76 g)
Wingspan:13-15 in (33-38 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 9.6 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Dull clay coloration, the national bird of Costa Rica

The Clay-colored Robin, Costa Rica’s national bird, is celebrated for its melodious song that marks the start of the rainy season. 

Known locally as yigüirro, its choice as a national symbol over more colorful birds highlights its cultural significance and the deep connection it shares with the people due to its proximity to human settlements.

In fact, during my time living in Costa Rica, the presence of the Clay-colored Robin, or yigüirro, became a familiar part of daily life. 

On several occasions, while tending to the garden, a yigüirro would perch nearby, watching curiously and sometimes even hopping closer in anticipation of the earthworms my digging might uncover.

Also, despite their non-territorial nature, I have seen them fiercely defend their nests against potential predators, which showcases their commitment to their offspring.

15. North Island Robin

North Island Robin
Scientific Name:Petroica longipes
Common Name:Toutouwais
Size:7 in (18 cm)
Weight:0.8–1.2 oz (23–35 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Up to 17 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Friendly towards humans, dark slaty-grey with a pale greyish-white lower breast

The North Island Robin, or Toutouwai, embodies the spirit of New Zealand’s forests, found in native and exotic woodlands across the central North Island. 

Known for their friendly nature, these robins often approach humans, sometimes even perching on boots, which illustrates their curious and trusting demeanor.

Their diet mainly consists of invertebrates, but during scarce times, they supplement their diet with small berries and fruits.

Moreover, North Island robins can rear multiple broods from September to February. Their nests, which are built solely by the females, reflect meticulous construction.

16. Pacific Robin

Pacific Robin
Scientific Name:Petroica multicolor
Common Name:Pacific Robin
Size:4.5–5.3 in (11.5–13.5 cm)
Weight:0.3–0.4 oz (9–11 g)
Wingspan:Not well documented
Lifespan:Not well documented
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Males have a black head with a white forehead and a red breast; females are brown with a duller red breast.

The Pacific Robin is a small bird inhabiting the southwestern Pacific, specifically from Papua New Guinea to Fiji and Samoa. These birds adapt to various environments but thrive mainly in the lower sections of the forest.

Male and female Pacific Robins exhibit different colors, with males typically having a black head, back, and tail, accented by a white forehead and a red breast. 

Females, on the other hand, display more subdued shades, with dark brown replacing the black and a duller red breast. 

During the breeding season, Pacific Robins construct compact nests decorated with moss and lichen, making them blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Their nests are also often hidden in tree forks.

17. Scarlet Robin

Scarlet Robin
Scientific Name:Petroica boodang
Common Name:Scarlet Robin
Size:5–5.5 in (12.5–14 cm)
Weight:0.4 oz (13 g)
Wingspan:8.6 in (22 cm)
Lifespan:Up to 3 years
Conservation Status:Least Concern
Unique Features:Males have a black head and back with a scarlet breast; females are brown with an orange-red breast.

The Scarlet Robin is a familiar sight in southeastern and southwestern Australia, as well as on Norfolk Island and Texas

Males are known for their black heads and upper parts, highlighted by a white frontal patch and a vivid scarlet breast, while females sport a brownish appearance with a reddish breast patch. 

Their feeding behavior mirrors their adaptable nature, as they forage mainly on the ground for insects. They are widely known for controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. 

In breeding, Scarlet Robins exhibit strong pair bonds. They maintain territories year-round and engage in meticulous nest-building. 


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