American Robin

I've always been interested in the American robin. There is a line in the film "Captain Horatio Hornblower RN" (which is an adaptation of CS Forester's works) starring Gregory Peck. On returning to England, he says "We shall be there before the first robin", meaning early spring. In fact, of course, our robins are here all year round and are especially conspicuous in winter! The birds are quite different but share the red breast.

I enjoy having them around. They help me out in the garden by eating many pesky bugs. Though the two are entirely different species - this is a thrush, yours is a fly catcher, the early English settlers named it "Robin" as a trubute to your Robin.

I'm sure you've heard the ole adage: The early bird catches the worm. It's referencing the Robin.