An Influx of Thrushes

Thrushes of the genus Catharus range throughout the Americas. The genus is characterized by generally cryptic plumage, which they make up for with their ethereal, fluted songs. Crepuscular denizens of the undergrowth, thrushes often go unseen to the casual observer.

Their annual migrations cover up to 6,500 km, traversing between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Central and South America.

As Spring trans-Gulf migrants, thrushes are dependent on finding stopover sites that provide shelter and refueling opportunities as they return to their breeding grounds. Quality stopover sites along the Gulf Coast are of particular importance to three Catharus species: Veery (Catharus fuscescens), Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), and Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus).

We are in the midst of the peak migration period for these birds here on St. George Island. Over the past few days we have captured our first individuals of each species. Learning to identify these thrushes takes practice, but with care there are certain unique characteristics you can clue in on.

The Veery's preferred breeding habitat is broad-leaf forest, and is best identified by its uniformly reddish coloration.

The Swainson's Thrush is found from coast to coast in North America and shows off distinctive buffy spectacles and upper breast.

The Gray-cheeked Thrush breeds in the boreal forests of Canada and is best identified by its cold, gray coloration and lack of an eye ring.