Thrushes

Veery, Catharus fuscescens

Family Turdidae (Thrushes)

Size: 7"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Moist deciduous forests

The veery is a secretive, plain-colored thrush that is more often detected by its voice than its appearance. It is a rich, reddish brown above and whitish below with pale-gray flanks. The breast is washed with light, tawny brown and has pale streaking, while the head is mostly unmarked with a lighter loreal area and slight eye rings. Veeries pick through the undergrowth or on the ground for worms and insects but may also catch flying insects midair. Their song is composed of liquid, descending, fluting notes, and the call sounds similar to its name, veer-ree. The adult is illustrated.