American Robin: The Bird that Feels Entitled to Fruits
The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a medium-sized bird that seems to have a false sense of entitlement to fruits. Known for their distinct red breast, these birds can be found all over North America, where they are known to cause trouble, but also bring joy to birdwatchers and fruit growers alike.
Description
The American Robin is about 10 inches long and weighs about 3 ounces. They are easily identified by their red breast, gray-brown back, and white belly. But don’t let their cute appearance fool you, these birds can be extremely demanding when it comes to fruits.
Their signature move is to sit atop trees, eying a juicy fruit, and once it’s ripe, they swoop down to devour it, often leaving nothing but a mess behind. Nighttime is no exception. The American Robin is known to sneak into gardens and steal fruits under the cover of darkness, leaving destruction in its wake.
Habitat
These entitled birds are widespread throughout North America, and they can be found in almost any habitat, from forests to suburbs. They are also known to inhabit golf courses where they enjoy plucking worms and demanding fresh fruits from unwary golfers.
Behavior
The American Robin is known for its constant chirping, and it’s almost as if they have an incessant need to be heard. Not only do they demand fruits, but they also have the audacity to vocalize their displeasure if their requests are not met immediately.
When they are not causing mayhem and being generally entitled, American Robins are known to engage in playful behavior, including hopping around and fluffing their feathers in the sun. However, don’t let their cute antics fool you. They will not hesitate to peck at you if they feel like you’re withholding their precious fruits from them.
Fun Facts
- The American Robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. So, it’s safe to say that entitlement is encouraged in some parts of the country.
- Robins are the first birds to sing at dawn, possibly because they need to alert everyone to please bring them their breakfast of fresh fruit.
- The word “robin” is derived from the Old French word “roubin,” which means red, and the American Robin is indeed very red. However, their redness should not be seen as a sign of cuteness, but rather as a warning of their entitled behavior.
In conclusion, the American Robin is a fascinating bird that is much beloved by bird watchers and much reviled by fruit growers. While their sense of entitlement is certainly something to be reckoned with, their undeniable charm and playful antics make it hard to stay mad at them for too long.