This reddish-brown colored thrush fills North American woodland mornings with one of the most hauntingly beautiful spiral songs in the natural world.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Veery is a medium-sized thrush with a distinctive warm, reddish-brown upper body and pale underparts. Its breast is lightly spotted with brown, fading to white on the belly. The bird has a relatively short tail, large eyes, and a subtle pale eye-ring, giving it an alert appearance.

Males and females appear identical to casual observation, though they can be distinguished by careful measurement. Juveniles show a slightly more spotted pattern on their upperparts. The Veery maintains its plumage year-round, with no significant seasonal changes.

Size

Length

16cm to 19cm

Wingspan

28cm to 33cm

Weight

28g to 32g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Rufous

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Brown Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Veeries inhabit moist, deciduous and mixed forests with dense understory across eastern North America. They prefer areas near streams or wetlands, often in young or disturbed forest sections.

During the breeding season, they are found from southern Canada to the northern United States. Veeries winter in South America, primarily in the Amazon basin, making them true long-distance migrants.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
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 75
Aggressiveness 30
Endurance 88

Diet

Veeries primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. They also consume small fruits and berries, especially during late summer and fall, as they prepare for migration.

Their ground-foraging behavior is characterized by quick, short hops and sudden pauses to listen for prey.

Behaviour

Veeries are known for their secretive nature, often staying close to the ground in dense undergrowth. They forage by hopping along the forest floor, flipping leaves to uncover insects.

During the breeding season, males become more visible as they perch on low branches to sing their distinctive song.

Vocalisation

The Veery's song is a haunting, downward-spiraling series of flute-like notes, often described as "veer-veer-veer-veer." This ethereal song is most frequently heard at dawn and dusk.

Their call is a sharp, descending "veer" or a soft "pew" when alarmed.

Nesting & Breeding

Veeries breed from May to July, with males establishing territories through song. Females build cup-shaped nests low to the ground, often in shrubs or on fallen logs.

The nest is constructed of leaves, grass, and twigs, lined with fine plant fibers. Females typically lay 3-5 pale blue eggs, sometimes with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 12 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 10-12 days. Veeries usually raise one brood per season.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 8 - 10 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 10.1 years [1]
0
3
6
9
12

years

The Veery typically lives for 8 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.1 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 currently listed as Least Concern, Veery populations are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Climate change may also affect their breeding and wintering grounds.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting large tracts of mature forests and managing understory vegetation.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

11,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Veeries in damp, deciduous forests with dense understory
  • Listen for their unique, downward-spiraling flute-like song, especially at dusk
  • Observe quietly, as they are shy and easily startled
  • In the US and Canada, watch for them during spring and summer months

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Wilson's Thrush, Tawny Thrush

Family:

Turdidae

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, squirrels, and domestic cats. Snakes and chipmunks often prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

  1. Veeries can sing two notes simultaneously, creating their unique, harmonious song.
  2. They are one of the earliest thrushes to migrate south, often leaving their breeding grounds by late August.
  3. Veeries are known to engage in anting, rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly for pest control.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Catharus fuscescens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22708655A131949838.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2005: del Hoyo et al.

  3. 3

    website, 2019: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish

    View source