Source: Wikipedia
Did you know that the American Robin is actually a member of the thrush family? Unlike the European Robin which is now considered to be a member of the flycatcher family.
European Robin Source: Wikipedia
There are quite a few birds called robins, but they are not necessarily related. Did you know there is a robin with a pink breast? It's native to Australia, and called the (wait for it) Pink Robin.
Male Pink Robin Source: Wikipedia
It's closest relative is the Rose Robin, also native to Australia.
Male Rose Robin Source: Wikipedia
And Australia lays claim to the Scarlet Robin, also found in Tasmania. (Unlike our robin some males and females look very different.)
Female Scarlet Robin Source: Wikipedia
Male Scarlet Robin Source: Wikipedia
Australia also has the Western Yellow Robin...
Source: Wikipedia
the Hooded Robin...
Source: Wikipedia
the White-Browed Robin...
Source: Wikipedia
the Grey-headed Robin...
Source: Wikipedia
and one of the most spectacular - the Red-Capped Robin.
Male Source: Wikipedia
How did Australia end up with all these different robins and we only have one? And I haven't included them all.
The Pacific Robin is found on the Pacific island countries of Samoa and Fiji, among others.
Source: Wikipedia
He sort of looks like our Rose-headed Grosbeak. Then there's the North Island robin from New Zealand.
Source: Wikipedia
And the Black Robin or Chatham Island Robin from the Chatham Islands off New Zealand.
Source: Wikipedia
There are several subspecies of the New Zealand Robin. This is the Stewart Island Robin.
Source: Wikipedia
As spectacular as some of Australia's robins are, I was still very happy to see OURS. And Sunday I heard a couple of loud squeaks and squeals while I was hanging clothes on the line - telltale sounds of woodchucks under my shed. My 'Signs of Spring' post from last year was April 11th - an entire month later than this year, although things were a little further along in that post. We're supposed to be in the 60s all this week so things will really start to pop. Even though we've had a relatively mild winter, those 60 degree temperatures are still going to feel like heaven.
I guess any bird can be called a "robin" by the looks of it! ;) I like the pink Robin the best! Right now at almost sunrise I can hear a robin out there singing this morning!
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