The hermit thrush is a medium-sized North American thrush. It is a solitary songbird that breeds in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada, Alaska, and the western and northeastern regions of the United States. The hermit thrush is not currently considered a rare bird, but its populations have declined in some areas, leading to conservation concerns.
Quick Facts on the Hermit Thrush
Scientific Name | Catharus guttatus |
Other Common Names | Swamp Robin |
Identifying Features | Brown upperparts, white underparts with brown spotting, short tail |
Length | 6.3-7.5 in (16-19 cm) |
Wingspan | 10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm) |
Weight | 0.8-1.1 oz (24-32 g) |
Lifespan | Up to 10 years |
Population Status | 19 million |
IUCN Status | Least Concern |
The hermit thrush has a brown back and head, white underparts, and brown spotting on its breast. It has a short tail and slender bill. The hermit thrush breeds in forested areas and winters in the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Range and Habitat
The hermit thrush breeds in the boreal and mountain forests of Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. Its breeding range extends from Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland, south to Minnesota, and east to the New England states.
Breeding Range Map
During the winter, the hermit thrush migrates to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Its winter range extends from southern California and Arizona east to Florida, and along the Gulf Coast.
The hermit thrush prefers coniferous or mixed forests with dense undergrowth. It is often found in forested wetlands and swamps during the breeding season. In winter, it inhabits forest edges and open woodlands, along with tropical forests and shade-grown plantations.
Identification
The hermit thrush can be identified by the following characteristics:
Appearance
- Brown upperparts with reddish tail
- White underparts with variable brown spotting on breast
- Pale whitish eye ring
- Pink legs and feet
- Short tail that is often bobbed
Size
About 6.3-7.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 10.2-11.8 inches. Weighs 0.8-1.1 ounces. Slightly smaller than an American robin.
Song
The hermit thrush has a beautiful, flute-like song. Its call note is a thin “tsee” or “churr”. The song begins slowly then accelerates into a melodious cascade.
Behavior
Skulks quietly on or near the ground in dense understory. Rarely seen out in the open. Solitary and elusive. Frequently cocks and lowers its tail.
Similar Species
The hermit thrush could be confused with:
- Wood thrush – Distinguished by its larger size, more conspicuous spotting, and bright white belly
- Veery – More compact, with an all-brown back and indistinct breast spotting
- American robin – Much more common and widespread, with a black head and distinctiveBehaviorred breast
Population and Conservation Status
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the hermit thrush has a large global population estimated at 19 million individuals. Its numbers appeared to be stable or increasing over the period of 1966-2015.
The hermit thrush is rated as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large range and stable population trend. However, some local populations have declined, particularly in the Northeastern United States.
Population Trends by Region
Region | Breeding Population Trend 1966-2015 |
---|---|
Alaska and Western Canada | Significantly increasing |
Eastern Canada | Significantly increasing |
Western US | Significantly increasing |
Midwest US | Stable |
Northeastern US | Significantly declining |
Southeastern US | Stable |
Over the past several decades, hermit thrush populations have declined in the northeastern United States. Causes for the declines may include acid rain damaging breeding habitats, loss of wintering habitat, and climate change misaligning migration schedules with food sources. Protecting wintering and stopover habitats during migration is important for conserving the species.
Behavior and Ecology
Food and Feeding
The hermit thrush is omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects, berries, and other fruits. Common foods include:
- Insects: beetles, caterpillars, ants, wasps, flies, moths
- Berries: juniper, mountain ash, dogwood, pokeweed, grape, Virginia creeper
- Fruits: wild cherry, nightshade, elderberry, blueberry, holly
- Seeds and nuts
Forages by hopping along the ground, flipping leaves to uncover insects. Will also probe in soil and catch insects in flight. Favors wet forest habitats which provide abundant insect prey.
Breeding and Nesting
- Breeding season lasts from May to August
- Monogamous; pairs typically stay together for one breeding season
- Male attracts female with melodious song delivered from an elevated perch
- Builds an open cup nest out of grasses, moss, bark strips on or near forest floor
- Lays 3-5 pale blue eggs
- Incubated by female for 12-14 days; male feeds female while incubating
- Both parents feed nestlings; leave nest at 10-12 days old
Nests are well-concealed in shrubs, ferns, upturned tree roots. Territories are around 1 acre in size and aggressively defended.
Migration
Migrates at night, guided by the stars. Southbound migration occurs August-November. Northbound return occurs March-May. Winters in southern US, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean.
Vocalizations
The hermit thrush has a beautiful, flute-like song used to attract mates and defend territories. Also makes a thin “tsee” call note. Its song stands out from other forest birds. Sings most actively at dawn and dusk early in the breeding season.
Lifespan and Mortality
The oldest known wild hermit thrush was 10 years 2 months old. Average lifespan is likely 2-3 years. High mortality occurs in the first year, followed by roughly 50% annual survival. Starvation and predators likely major causes of death.
Relationship to Humans
Economic Importance
The hermit thrush contributes to controlling insect pest populations that damage trees and agricultural crops. It disperses seeds of native plants through its feces after eating fruit. A sought-after species for birdwatchers because of its secretive nature and beautiful song.
Cultural Depictions
The hermit thrush has inspired poetry and music with its melancholy song:
- Featured in works by American writers Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau
- Subject of the poem “The Hermit Thrush” by Canadian poet Archibald Lampman
- Influenced Canadian composer Glenn Gould’s “The Idea of North”
Backyard Tips
- Plant native shrubs and trees that provide food sources like dogwood, holly, and juniper
- Provide brush piles as potential nest sites
- Use a water feature or mister to provide moisture for bathing
- Minimize pesticide use which reduces insect prey
- Let fallen leaves accumulate to harbor insect food
The hermit thrush is shy, so be quiet and still when attempting to observe it in your yard. Its presence indicates a healthy forest ecosystem.
Conclusion
In summary, the hermit thrush is not currently a globally rare bird, but populations have declined regionally over the past few decades. Protecting its boreal forest breeding grounds and tropical wintering habitats will be important for long-term conservation. This secretive songster brings beautiful forest music to life and serves as an indicator of ecosystem health. Continued monitoring and habitat management will be key to ensuring the hermit thrush remains a thriving part of North American forests.