Hermit Thrush
Catharus guttatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Hermit Thrush is a medium-small bird, distinguished by its reddish-chestnut tail that contrasts with its brown body. Its breast has dark spots against a white background, and there's a narrow but distinct white ring around the eye. The body is brown above and paler below.
Juveniles look similar to adults but can be identified by buff-colored spots on their wing feathers in fall. Males and females look the same.
Size
Length
14cm to 18cm
Wingspan
29cm to 33cm
Weight
23g to 37g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Rufous
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Hermit Thrushes inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across North America. They prefer areas with dense understory and ample ground cover. During the breeding season, they're found in Canada and the northern and western United States.
In winter, they migrate to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest and northeastern United States are year-round residents.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Hermit Thrush. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Hermit Thrush displays remarkable agility through its precise ground foraging, foot-quivering technique, and ability to navigate dense understory. Their adept movement through forest vegetation and quick responses to potential threats demonstrate excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small songbird weighing between 23-37g, the Hermit Thrush possesses modest strength typical for its size. Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and food items, their physical power is limited compared to larger avian species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species, evidenced by their ability to thrive from sea level to 3,500 metres, survive in various forest types, and switch diets seasonally between insects and berries. Their successful occupation of diverse habitats across North America demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst generally peaceful and solitary, male Hermit Thrushes display moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season, defending their areas through song and display flights. They're not notably aggressive towards other species but will protect their nests when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Strong endurance capabilities demonstrated through successful short-distance migrations, sustained foraging activities, and ability to survive harsh winter conditions in some regions. Their capacity to maintain territories year-round in certain areas suggests robust stamina.
Diet
Hermit Thrushes primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates during the breeding season. In fall and winter, they switch to a diet rich in berries and small fruits.
They forage by hopping on the ground and gleaning prey from leaves and bark.
Behaviour
Hermit Thrushes are often seen foraging on the ground, using a distinctive 'foot-quivering' behavior to startle insects. They are generally solitary birds, maintaining territories even in winter.
During the breeding season, males sing from high perches to defend their territory and attract mates.
Vocalisation
The Hermit Thrush is renowned for its hauntingly beautiful song, often described as 'ethereal' or 'flute-like.' It begins with a clear, whistled note followed by a series of descending musical phrases.
Their call is a soft 'chuck' or a more emphatic 'chup' when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Hermit Thrushes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from May to July. Males attract females with their melodious songs and perform display flights.
The female builds a cup-shaped nest low in trees or shrubs, using twigs, leaves, and moss. She lays 3-5 pale blue eggs, which she incubates for about 12 days.
Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 10-15 days. In the southern parts of their range, pairs often raise two broods per season.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Hermit Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and reducing the use of pesticides that may affect their insect prey.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Hermit Thrushes in shaded, moist areas of forests
- Listen for their ethereal, flute-like song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Watch for their habit of raising and slowly lowering their tail
- In the US, they're easier to spot during migration in many areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and domestic cats. Squirrels and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- The Hermit Thrush is the state bird of Vermont.
- It can sing two notes simultaneously, creating haunting harmonies.
- Despite its name, it's more social during migration than other thrush species.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Catharus guttatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22708667A137548137.
View source - 3
report: Meehan et al. 2018; Pardieck et al. 2018; Partners in Flight 2019
- 2
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website, 1999: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source
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