Catharus guttatus
Hermit Thrush
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.
Length
14cm to 18cm
Wingspan
29cm to 33cm
Weight
23g to 37g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Rufous
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 3,500 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Swamp Angel
Main predators include hawks, owls, and domestic cats. Squirrels and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
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website: BirdLife International. 2021. Catharus guttatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22708667A137548137.
View sourcereport: Meehan et al. 2018; Pardieck et al. 2018; Partners in Flight 2019
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View sourcewebsite, 1999: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source