Michigan State Bird: American Robin
Fact-checked • Updated November 23, 2025
Michigan State Bird – American Robin
Michigan adopted the American Robin as its official state bird in 1931 after the Michigan Audubon Society organized a statewide campaign. Students supported the species in a public vote. Birds show a red-orange breast and clear song notes. Residents see robins through most of the year across Michigan communities.
Why Michigan Chose the American Robin as the State Bird
Michigan made the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) its official state bird in 1931. The Michigan Audubon Society proposed a statewide school vote. Teachers distributed ballots in classrooms. Students picked their favorite native bird.
Robins won by a wide margin. Backyards, parks, and neighborhoods hosted them each spring. You see them hopping across lawns and pulling worms from soil. Dawn songs wake residents in early morning. Nests appear in trees near houses.
Urban areas, forests, suburbs, and farms all provide habitat. Robins adapt to environments where grass and trees exist. Orange breasts stand out against green lawns. The 'cheerily-cheer-up' song carries through neighborhoods before dawn.
Connecticut selected the American Robin in 1943. Wisconsin followed in 1949. Three states now share this bird. Michigan's choice reflected daily observations residents made each spring.
History of Adoption: Legislation & Timeline
-
The Campaign Starts
Conservation groups in Michigan wanted an official state bird. Other states already had one, and teachers saw it as a good way to teach kids about local wildlife. The Michigan Audubon Society took charge of the project.
-
Students Cast Their Votes
Schools across Michigan held votes in 1931. Students looked at pictures and descriptions of different birds. The robin won because families saw it every day in their neighborhoods.
-
Legislature Makes It Official
After seeing the vote results, Michigan lawmakers passed the designation in 1931. The robin became the official state bird and has held that title ever since.
-
Why Connecticut and Wisconsin Picked the Same Bird
A dozen years later, Connecticut made the robin their state bird. Wisconsin did the same in 1949. The bird's adaptability and wide range explain why three states ended up with the same choice.
Symbolism & Cultural Meaning
Spring Arrives When Robins Return
People in Michigan watch for the first robin each year. When you spot one, winter is ending. The bird hops across melting snow looking for worms, and that means warmer weather is coming.
Everyone Knows This Bird
Kids learn to identify robins before they know most other birds. The red breast stands out. Parents point them out in the yard. Teachers use them in nature lessons. That familiarity creates a strong connection.
Hope After Cold Months
Michigan winters last a long time. Seeing a robin means spring is here. The bird represents renewal and the return of life after months of cold and snow.
A Backyard Regular
Robins visit feeders and birdbaths. They build nests in trees near houses. You hear their song at dawn. This daily presence makes people feel close to the bird.
Physical Characteristics
Easy to Identify
Look for the red-orange breast. The back is gray-brown and the throat has dark streaks on white. Adults grow to 9 or 11 inches long. Males have brighter colors than females.
Young Birds Look Different
Juvenile robins have spots on their breast instead of solid color. They lack the bright orange of adults. After their first molt, young males start turning red.
Built for Ground Feeding
Robins have long legs for running on lawns. They weigh around 3 ounces with a wingspan up to 16 inches. The yellow bill stands out against darker plumage.
Behavior & Habits
The Robin's Song
Male robins sing from high perches at dawn. The song sounds like cheerily cheer-up cheerio. You hear them before most other birds wake up. When threatened, robins make a sharp tut-tut-tut call.
Hunting for Food
Robins run a few steps across a lawn, then stop and look. They spot worms by sight, not sound. A robin eats up to 14 feet of earthworms each day during breeding season. In fall and winter, they switch to berries and fruit.
Family Life
Female robins build cup-shaped nests from mud and grass. They lay three to five blue eggs. Both parents feed the chicks after they hatch. Young birds leave the nest in just two weeks. Pairs often raise three broods each summer.
Winter Migration
Most Michigan robins head south when cold weather arrives. Some stay if berries remain available. Males return north before females each spring. Early arrivals claim the best territories.
Habitat & Conservation
Where Robins Live in Michigan
Robins nest all across Michigan during summer. They adapt to cities, suburbs, and farms. The bird needs short grass for hunting worms and trees for nesting. You find them in parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and residential streets.
Population Status
The American Robin is listed as Least Concern. Numbers remain stable in Michigan. The bird thrives near people because lawns provide perfect hunting grounds for worms.
How to Help Robins in Michigan
- Let grass grow a bit for better worm habitat
- Plant native trees and shrubs for nesting sites
- Put out birdbaths for drinking and bathing
- Skip pesticides that kill insects robins eat
- Keep cats inside during nesting season
Interesting Facts About American Robins
Fact 1 of 10
Robins belong to the thrush family, not the European robin family
American Robin Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the American Robin. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Also the State Bird of:
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official state government information about Michigan's state symbols and facts. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive guide to American Robin identification, behavior, and habitat. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Authoritative field guide covering American Robin characteristics and range. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Accuracy Commitment: We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us.