Wisconsin designated the American robin (Turdus migratorius) as the official state bird in 1949 (voted on by the school children of Wisconsin in 1926-27). One of America's favorite songbirds, robins are watched for each year as the heralder of spring.

Robins were named by early settlers after the familiar robin red-breast of Europe (a bird with similar markings that is not closely related to the American Robin). The most widespread thrush in North America (because of its adaptation to human-modified habitats), robins are a familiar backyard bird often observed pulling up earthworms on suburban lawns.

The American robin has many vocalizations - rich songs composed of long phrases and "whinny" and "tut" calls. The female is muted in color compared to the male. The American Robin is also the state bird of Michigan, and Connecticut.

Source:

Wisconsin State Symbols: Wisconsin.gov
American robin: All about Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
American robin: Student Questions - Expert answers
American robin in tulips photo © Richard Mousel /
CritterZone: Animal - Wildlife - Nature Stock Photography
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Links:

American robin - Turdus migratorius: USGS
Michigan State Symbols: Discover Michigan
State Birds - 50 states List
National Bird