Catharus ustulatus
The Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) is a medium-sized, highly migratory songbird renowned for its ethereal, spiraling song. Measuring about 16-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length with a wingspan of 30 cm (12 inches) and weighing 23-37 grams (0.8-1.3 ounces), it is characterized by an olive-brown back and crown, a white belly, and a distinctive buffy wash across its breast and flanks, often with subtle dusky spotting. The most reliable field mark is its prominent buffy eye-ring and lores, crea...
This species primarily inhabits the dense understory of moist coniferous, deciduous, or mixed forests, often near water sources. It can be found from sea level up to subalpine elevations, favoring areas with thick shrubbery for cover.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and other arthropods, such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders, gleaned from the ground or caught in flight. During late summer and fall migration, they heavily supplement their diet with a variety of small berries and fruits.
Swainson's Thrushes are primarily diurnal but are most active at dawn and dusk, often remaining secretive within dense cover. They forage by hopping and running on the forest floor, gleaning insects and spiders, but also skillfully flycatch from perches. Males establish and defend breeding territ...
The Swainson's Thrush boasts an expansive breeding range stretching across North America, encompassing Alaska, nearly all of Canada, and significant portions of the western and northeastern United States. Western populations (Russet-backed Thrush) breed from southeastern Alaska south through Brit...
Least Concern
- The Swainson's Thrush is one of the most widespread Neotropical migratory songbirds in North America, covering vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds. - It is sometimes colloquially known as the "Olive-backed Thrush" in eastern North America and "Russet-backed Thrush" in the west...