I didn't realize that the European robin bears little resemblance to the American Robin until I started blogging.
These shots are of an American Robin getting water on my deck. The American Robin is a thrush and there is more information about them at this link. The European Robin is much smaller and is now considered to be an old world flycatcher (according to wikipedia at this link). I also found at the same site that the Australian red robin is of the genus Petroica. You can find more about the red-capped robin and its Australian relative at this wikipedia link.
Were it not for blogging I would not have realized that a number of different birds, who aren't even relatives, are called robins. Click for the home of That's My World Tuesday.
Interesting how robins in different countries have different markings, Carver. From what I’ve observed, the robins in the West Coast of Canada, seem to be getting larger over the years. They used to indicate spring was coming but these last few years I think I’ve spotted them in winter, too. I like the idea of year-round robins. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute fellow!
ReplyDeleteBlogging taught me the same thing, Carver. Isn't it amazing how much we learn doing something we like to do so much? :))
ReplyDeleteSo interesting - I didn't know the difference either. You caught your Robin in the act of drinking!
ReplyDeletehe's adorable. i've been seeing lots of robins lately. spring is sure to arrive soon, :) hope all is well. have a great night.
ReplyDeleteI do so agree with you and EG about how much we are able to learn through blogging about so many wonderful things!! It's one of the things that I look forward to every day because in some way, about something, I learn something I didn't know before and it's wonderful!! Love the shots of your robin! What a lovely part of your world! Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Cute shots of the robins. I have pic's of the European robin and they are very pretty birds.
ReplyDeleteI think European robins are cuter. ;)
ReplyDeleteBecause they're smaller and rounder.
It's also a symbol of Christmas in England.
Did Eugene Schieffelin release any European robins into America? ;p
I was quite surprised the first time I saw a European Robin. I didn't expect them to be identical, but thought that they'd at least look somewhat the same.
ReplyDeleteWe take our American Robins so much for granted, don't we? They really are sweet little birds. I love the photo of the one with its beak pointing up. If his eyes focused forward the way ours do, it would look as if he's staring at the camera. Or perhaps begging for a handout.
We had a plethora of robins around 10 days ago, just before our warm weather. If they are indeed harbingers of spring, I'm going to put out a ton of their favorite foods so they stay awhile.
Beautiful shots of Robin and very informative post.
ReplyDeleteSo much we learn, I have never seen one. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteYou really did your homework, Carver. I did wonder about the European robin looking so different from our North American ones, but didn't realize there was an Australian robin, also from a different branch of birddom entirely!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very healthy specimen you've photographed here. Good work.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
He's lovely. I think the American robin is a robust beauty.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and photos!!!
ReplyDeletelove the shot where he's drinking- cute! And yeah, the American and European robins are totally different looking, both are cute though!
ReplyDelete