Varied Thrush
NameVaried Thrush
Common NameVaried Thrush
Scientific NameIxoreus naevius
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)82.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a dark slate-grey back, head, and a prominent breast band, contrasting sharply with a rusty-orange throat, belly, and flanks. They also feature an orange eyebrow stripe and orange wing bars. Females are similar but generally duller, with a less distinct breast band and paler grey and orange tones.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, long, ethereal, single-note whistle, often described as haunting or bell-like, with a slight tremolo. Each note is held for several seconds, often followed by a pause before another note at a different pitch.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, riparian areas, suburban gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in northwestern North America, from Alaska south through British Columbia to northern California and Montana. Winters primarily along the Pacific coast, extending inland to parts of the western United States.
Identifying Featuresslate-grey and rusty-orange plumage, prominent black breast band (males), black eye stripe, orange wing bars, haunting, single-note whistle
Description
The Varied Thrush is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking slate-grey and rusty-orange plumage. It typically forages on the ground in dense forests, often flicking leaf litter to find invertebrates. Its haunting, ethereal whistle is a distinctive sound of its Pacific Northwest habitat.
