Catharus guttatus
adult
The Hermit Thrush is a fairly distinctive Catharus thrush. The sexes are similar. Adults have a dull brown cap and back that contrast with the rufous tail. The wings show a rufous panel on the primaries and the head has a white eyering. The pale throat is bordered by a black line. The underparts are pale, the breast suffused yellow and marked with black spots. Juveniles are brown and spotted, but by fall, when they migrate, their plumage resembles that of an adult aside from pale tips to the wing coverts.
The Hermit Thrush is present as a breeding species mainly from May to August. Most birds migrate south in fall, and its winter range extends from southern U.S.A. to Central America. Like its cousins, it forages for invertebrates among leaf litter. It raises its tail and flicks its wings, habits not seen in closely related thrush species.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6.75 in (17 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates
HABITAT Conifer forests
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor and local winter visitor
VOICE Song comprises a series of fluty whistles. Call is a soft chuck-chuck
