Catharus ustulatus
The upward spiral of the Swainson's Thrush's song lifts the soul with each note and leaves the listener breathless at its conclusion. This inspiring song can be heard late on spring evenings-the Swainson's Thrush is routinely the last of the daytime singers to be silenced by the night. Swainson's Thrushes are most frequently observed perched high in treetops. At higher elevations, the Swainson's Thrush is replaced by the Hermit Thrush. William Swainson was an English zoologist and illustrator; his name also graces the Swainson's Hawk. This bird was formerly known as the Olive-backed Thrush. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: olive-brown upperparts; bold, white eye ring; golden cheeks; moderately spotted throat and breast; white belly and undertail coverts; brownish-gray flanks. Size: L 7 in. (18 cm). Range: common migrant and breeder in the Canadian Rockies; uncommon to common migrant and breeder elsewhere in the Rockies. Habitat: coniferous and mixedwood forests and steep ravines up to the montane. Nesting: usually in a shrub or small tree; small cup nest is built with grass, moss, leaves, roots and lichens; female incubates 3-4 eggs for 12-13 days. Feeding: gleans vegetation and forages on the ground for invertebrates; also eats berries. Voice: song is a slow, rolling, rising spiral: whip-poor-will-a-will-e-zee-zee-tee; call is a sharp wick. Similar Species: Hermit Thrush: grayish head and back; gray face; heavily spotted breast; lacks the bold eye ring. Veery : lacks the bold eye ring, the golden face and the olive-brown back. |
