A master of melancholy melodies, this brown-backed songbird fills North American forests with its haunting, flute-like evening songs that echo through the trees.

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

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 82
Strength 35
Adaptability 88
Aggressiveness 45
Endurance 75

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 8 - 10 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 10.8 years [1]
0
3
6
10
13

years

The Hermit Thrush typically lives for 8 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

72,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

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

Other names:

Swamp Angel

Family:

Turdidae

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and domestic cats. Squirrels and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

  1. The Hermit Thrush is the state bird of Vermont.
  2. It can sing two notes simultaneously, creating haunting harmonies.
  3. Despite its name, it's more social during migration than other thrush species.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Catharus guttatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22708667A137548137.

    View source
  2. 4

    report: Meehan et al. 2018; Pardieck et al. 2018; Partners in Flight 2019

  3. 3

    website, 2019: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    website, 1999: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds

    View source