Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush
NameRufous Flycatcher-Thrush
Common NameRufous Flycatcher-Thrush
Scientific NameCatharus fuscescens
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsUniform warm rufous-brown on the crown, nape, back, wings, and tail. The face and flanks are also rufous-brown. The throat and belly are buffy white, with very faint, diffuse rufous spots or streaks on the breast. It has a dark eye and a dark bill with a paler base to the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a distinctive, ethereal, downward-spiraling whistle, often transcribed as 'veer-y, veer-y, veer-y' or 'vee-o, vee-o, vee-o'. It also produces a sharp 'phew' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern Canada and the northern United States, primarily in deciduous and mixed forests. Winters in South America, mainly within the Amazon basin.
Identifying FeaturesUniform warm rufous-brown upperparts, Very faint or absent breast spotting, Ethereal, downward-spiraling song, Dark eye and bill, Prefers damp, dense forest undergrowth
Description
This medium-sized thrush is characterized by its uniform warm rufous-brown plumage across its upperparts, head, and flanks. It typically forages on the forest floor, searching for insects and other invertebrates, and is known for its distinctive downward-spiraling song.
