Varied Thrush
Image: DJ (cc-by-nc)
NameVaried Thrush
Common NameVaried Thrush
Scientific NameIxoreus naevius
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)82.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a slate-gray back, head, and a prominent black breast band. The throat, breast, belly, and a stripe above the eye (supercilium) are a rich orange. Wings are slate-gray with two distinct orange wing bars. Females are similar but generally duller, with a browner back and a less defined breast band.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its ethereal, single, long, mournful whistle, often repeated at different pitches. It sounds like a sustained, wavering note, sometimes described as a 'whistled sigh'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, suburban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in coniferous and mixed forests along the Pacific Coast and interior mountains of western North America, from Alaska south to northern California. Winters primarily in coastal California and the Pacific Northwest, with some individuals moving further south or east.
Identifying FeaturesOrange breast and belly, Dark slate-gray/black breast band, Dark head with orange supercilium, Two orange wing bars, Mournful, whistled call
Description
The Varied Thrush is a striking medium-sized thrush of western North America, known for its bold orange and slate-gray plumage. It typically forages on the forest floor for invertebrates and berries, often remaining secretive within dense undergrowth.
