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Platte River Status: An abundant migrant and common nesting species; fairly common winter resident locally across the study area.

Breeding Range: A common and well-distributed nesting species on the Eastern Plain, Dissected Plain, and in the Platte River Valley physiographic region west to Lake McConaughy. A fairly common, although more localized nesting species on the Western Plain, Sandhills and in the western reaches of the Platte River Valley.

Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 120,000 nesting pairs. American robin ranked eighth in total abundance among all nesting species, and made up 4.1% of the total bird population.

Habitat: We found the highest mean nesting density in shelterbelts (213.2 pairs/km²), followed by residential (53.2 pairs/km²), lowland forest (3.6 pairs/km²), river channel island (11.0 pairs/km²), corn (0.5 pairs/km²), and wet prairie (0.2 pairs/km²). Faanes (1983) reported that largest nesting densities in western North Dakota wooded draws were associated with low shrub density and high percentage canopy cover. Rising (1974) found American robin virtually restricted to residential habitats in western Kansas, although some use of riparian habitats was reported. Graber and Graber (1963) considered American robin an ecologically broad species in Illinois, although 75% of the population was associated with man-made communities. Highest nesting densities in northern Illinois were from residential areas (330.5 birds/km²).

Effect of Habitat Alteration: American robin has benefited from de-watering of the Platte River System and the subsequent encroachment of wooded vegetation within the stream channels. Establishment of shelterbelts adjacent to farmland, and ornamental plantings in residential areas have also created positive benefits for this species. The recent increase in abundance of American robin in winter in the Platte River Valley can at least be attributed partially to establishment of ornamental fruit-bearing trees.

Nesting Data: We have records of 19 active nests within the study area; eight were at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, between 7 May and 18 July. Recently fledged young have been observed at Mormon Island from late May to late July. Mean clutch size among five Lincoln County nests was 3.0 eggs during 1 May to 5 July. Johnsgard (1979) reported that egg dates in Kansas extend from 1 April to 20 July.