Catharus fuscescens
The Veery, *Catharus fuscescens*, is a medium-sized thrush renowned for its ethereal, spiraling song that resonates through the dense understory of North American forests. Measuring 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 in) in length with a wingspan of 28-33 cm (11-13 in) and weighing 28-40 g (0.99-1.41 oz), it presents a relatively uniform rufous-brown plumage across its upperparts, contrasting with a buffy wash on its breast that is only faintly marked with small, indistinct spots. Unlike many other thrushes, ...
This elusive thrush primarily inhabits moist deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring areas with dense undergrowth, saplings, and wet thickets at low to mid-elevations.
The Veery's diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented by small wild fruits and berries, especially during late summer and migration.
Veeries are largely solitary and secretive birds, typically foraging on the forest floor during daylight hours, though they are most vocally active at dawn and dusk. They employ a ground-gleaning technique, sifting through leaf litter with their bills and feet to uncover invertebrate prey. During...
The Veery breeds across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, extending from southern Canada, including British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, south through the Great Lakes region, New England, the Appalachian Mountains, and westward into parts of the Da...
Least Concern
- The Veery's scientific name, *Catharus fuscescens*, means 'pure-colored, brownish', referring to its rather plain plumage. - Its distinctive spiraling song is one of the most recognizable and beautiful sounds of eastern North American forests. - Unlike many thrushes, the Veery entirely lacks a ...