Catharus fuscescens
adult
The Veery is a small, secretive thrush. The sexes are similar. Adults have reddish-buff upperparts. Markings on the gray-buff face are faint, and the pale buff throat is defined by a brown line. The breast is faintly suffused with yellow-buff and marked with subtle brown spots. The rest of the underparts are pale gray, with faint gray spots on the lower breast and flanks. Juveniles are brown and spotted, but by fall, when they migrate, their plumage has become similar to that of an adult aside from buff tips to the wing coverts.
The Veery is present as a breeding species, mainly from May to August. The rest of the year is spent in South America. The species is often associated with wetland willow scrub where it forages in the leaf litter for invertebrates. It can be a challenge to observe well.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 7.3 in (18.5 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Wet deciduous woodland
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song is a fluty vee, vedidi, vedidi, veer, veer, each phrase descending in tone. Call is a sharp veer
