Hylocichla mustelina
The Wood Thrush (*Hylocichla mustelina*), a charismatic member of the Turdidae family, is renowned for its ethereal, flute-like song, often described as one of nature's most beautiful melodies. This medium-sized thrush measures approximately 18-21 cm (7-8.3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 30-38 cm (12-15 in) and a weight ranging from 42-77 g (1.5-2.7 oz). Distinctive field marks include a warm rufous-brown back, head, and upper tail, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts heavily ad...
Primarily inhabiting mature deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests with a well-developed understory and moist soil, the Wood Thrush favors areas near streams or wetlands. They typically occur at low to mid-elevations in their breeding range, generally below 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
The diet of the Wood Thrush consists mainly of invertebrates, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and earthworms, primarily acquired by foraging on the forest floor. During late summer, fall, and winter, they supplement this with a significant intake of wild berries and small fruits.
Wood Thrushes are primarily diurnal, though their most celebrated vocalizations often occur during dawn and dusk, especially during the breeding season. They are classic ground-foragers, meticulously sifting through leaf litter with their bills and feet to uncover invertebrate prey, exhibiting a ...
The Wood Thrush's breeding range encompasses much of eastern North America, stretching from southern Canada (southeastern Ontario, southwestern Quebec, and occasionally parts of Manitoba) south through the eastern United States, reaching the Gulf Coast states, and extending westward into parts of...
Near Threatened
- The Wood Thrush is one of the few bird species capable of singing two notes simultaneously, a unique ability achieved by vibrating both sides of its syrinx independently, giving its song a rich, flute-like, ethereal quality. - Its scientific name, *Hylocichla mustelina*, translates roughly to "...