Veery
Catharus fuscescens
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Veery. 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 Veery demonstrates impressive agility through its quick, precise movements whilst foraging on the forest floor. Their ability to hop and manoeuvre through dense undergrowth, combined with their capacity for long-distance migration, reflects strong aerial and terrestrial mobility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small thrush weighing between 26-43g, the Veery possesses modest strength typical of its size class. Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and defending territory, they're not particularly powerful birds compared to larger species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These thrushes show notable adaptability in their habitat selection, surviving from sea level to 2,500 metres in various forest types. Their ability to shift between ground foraging and understory navigation, plus successful long-distance migration, demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Veeries are generally secretive and shy birds, preferring to avoid confrontation. Whilst males defend territories during breeding season, they're not particularly aggressive compared to other woodland birds, typically relying on vocalisations rather than physical confrontation.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Veery's endurance is particularly impressive, undertaking long-distance migrations between North and South America. Their ability to maintain daily foraging activities and complete these extensive seasonal journeys indicates remarkable stamina and resilience.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Predators
Main predators include hawks, owls, squirrels, and domestic cats. Snakes and chipmunks often prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Veeries can sing two notes simultaneously, creating their unique, harmonious song.
- They are one of the earliest thrushes to migrate south, often leaving their breeding grounds by late August.
- Veeries are known to engage in anting, rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly for pest control.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Catharus fuscescens. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22708655A131949838.
View source - 3
report, 2005: del Hoyo et al.
- 2
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
View source
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