Bicknell's Thrush
NameBicknell's Thrush
Common NameBicknell's Thrush
Scientific NameCatharus bicknelli
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)28
Plumage DetailsOlive-brown upperparts, grayish flanks, and a white belly. The breast shows faint, dusky spotting. It has a dull yellowish lower mandible and a dark bill tip.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a complex, flute-like, spiraling series of phrases, often described as 'ch-ch-ch-wee-o-wee-o-wee-o' with a rising and falling quality. Its call note is a distinctive 'chup'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds in high-elevation spruce-fir forests of northeastern North America, including parts of New England, New York, and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Winters primarily in the Greater Antilles, particularly Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti).
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a thrush, Olive-brown upperparts, Faint breast spotting, Yellowish lower mandible, Distinctive spiraling song, High-elevation spruce-fir forest habitat
Description
The Bicknell's Thrush is a small, secretive songbird primarily found in high-elevation spruce-fir forests. It is known for its unique, spiraling song and its migratory journey between northeastern North America and the Greater Antilles.
