European robin spotted in Canada for the first time
The bird was first spotted in early January, but it's not clear when it arrived in Canada.
A rare European bird has become a local celebrity after it was spotted on Rougemont Avenue in Montreal.
According to Global News, this is the first time the bird has ever been seen in Canada.
Speaking with CTV News, resident Sabrina Jacob was among the first to encounter the bird in early January. Its song was different from other birds she was used to, so she took some images and posted them online.
That’s when the crowds of photographers and birders started flocking to the area, hoping to catch a glimpse. Some people have travelled from as far away as Toronto, driving for hours just for a chance to spend time with the bird.
Jacob said she’s seen the bird every day, usually for 10 to 15 minutes at a time hanging out on fruit trees, and that observers have been respectful.
How did the bird get here?
The European robin lives in Europe, but its range can extend as far as northern Scandinavia.
It’s not clear how it made its way to Canada, but bird behaviourist Joel Coutu told CTV it may have hitched a ride somehow, or that it may have come during the fall migration.
It also may have been pushed off course by northern winds.
Can European robins survive the winter?
European robins are very different from the American robins found in Canada. In fact, their only commonality is their name.
A European robin is a completely different species, belonging to the Old World Flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), while American Robins are thrushes (Turdidae).
While American robins can survive Canada’s winters, sometimes even opting to stay here year-round, flycatchers have more challenges with our weather, mainly due to their insect-heavy diets.
They will, however, supplement with berries when insects are scarce.
The European robin's success this winter will depend on the availability of sufficient food and shelter. Given how closely it is being watched and how beloved it has become, we’re hoping the odds are in its favour.