The northern thrush is a medium-sized songbird found across northern North America. It belongs to the thrush family Turdidae, which includes other familiar species like the American robin and hermit thrush. There are three main subspecies of northern thrush that vary slightly in appearance and habitat preferences: the veery, gray-cheeked thrush, and Bicknell’s thrush. In this article, we will explore the distinguishing physical features, size, coloration, and other aspects of identification that can help observers recognize these secretive forest-dwelling birds. Some key quick facts about the northern thrush’s appearance include:
- Medium-sized thrush with slender body and long legs
- Mostly brown upperparts and white underparts with spotted throat
- Pink legs and eye ring
- Size ranges from 6.5-8 inches long with 10-11 inch wingspan
- Subtle differences in eye stripe, cheek color, and tail pattern distinguish the 3 subspecies
Now let’s look in more detail at how to identify each type of northern thrush by sight and sound.
Identifying the Veery
The veery is the most widespread northern thrush species, breeding across Canada and the northern United States. Here are some tips for recognizing this bird:
Appearance
- Reddish-brown upperparts
- Pale whitish underparts with faint dark spotting concentrated across the breast
- Light eye ring
- Indistinct pale eye stripe
- Pink legs and feet
- Size ranges from 6.5-7.5 inches long with 10-11 inch wingspan
The veery lacks any bold patterning on the face or distinct spotting below. The eye stripe is faint compared to the other northern thrush species. The breast is finely speckled, and the belly has few if any spots. The reddish-brown tail has dark centers to the feathers.
Song
The song of the veery is an ethereal, descending spiral that drops slightly in pitch as it repeats. It has a flute-like quality. The song begins slow but accelerates through the descending sequence. Listen for this distinctive vocalization in damp, dense forests.
Identifying the Gray-cheeked Thrush
The gray-cheeked thrush breeds across northern Canada and Alaska and migrates through the rest of North America. Here are some tips for recognizing this species:
Appearance
- Grayish face and dark gray cheek patch
- Prominent white eye ring
- Bold white eye stripe
- Brownish upperparts
- White underparts with extensive fine spotting on breast and sides
- Pink legs and feet
- Size ranges from 7-8 inches long with 10.5-11 inch wingspan
The gray cheeks and strong white eye ring help distinguish this species. The eye stripe above the eye is distinct. Extensive spotting below covers the breast, sides, and part of belly. The tail is brownish with darker centers to the feathers much like the veery.
Song
Listen for the gray-cheeked thrush’s ascending song that spirals upward. It has a mournful, haunting quality to the repetition. The song begins slowly and accelerates as it rises in pitch and volume.
Identifying Bicknell’s Thrush
Bicknell’s thrush is uncommon and found only in small isolated populations at high elevations in the northeastern U.S., southeastern Canada, and Appalachian mountains. Here are tips for identification:
Appearance
- Gray face
- Faint eye ring
- Faint eye stripe
- Brown upperparts slightly more olive-toned than other northern thrushes
- Heavily spotted white underparts from throat across breast and sides
- Pink legs
- Size from 6.5-7.5 inches long with 10-11 inch wingspan
The heavy spotting across the entire underparts and indistinct facial markings help identify Bicknell’s thrush. It lacks the contrasting white eye ring and stripe of the gray-cheeked. The olive-brown upperparts also help distinguish it.
Song
The song is similar to the gray-cheeked’s – spiraling upward in pitch but with a more flute-like or piercing quality. On breeding grounds, listen for this vocalization to detect the presence of this rare high elevation thrush.
Visual Identification Guide
This table summarizes key identification points for quick visual comparison:
Species | Facial Pattern | Underpart Spotting | Eye Stripe | Eye Ring |
---|---|---|---|---|
Veery | No distinct cheek patch | Faint speckling concentrated on breast | Indistinct | Faint |
Gray-cheeked Thrush | Obvious gray cheek patch | Heavy spotting across breast and sides | Bold white stripe | Distinct white ring |
Bicknell’s Thrush | Gray face | Heavy spotting across underparts including throat | Faint stripe | Faint ring |
Conclusion
In summary, the northern thrush species can be challenging to identify given their shy behavior hidden in forest thickets. But paying close attention to facial patterns such as cheek color, eye markings, underpart spotting intensity, and tail features can help distinguish the veery, gray-cheeked thrush, and Bicknell’s thrush. Listening for their distinctive spiraling songs on breeding grounds provides another identification clue. With practice, bird watchers can recognize the differences between these secretive but captivating songbirds. Getting to know their varied voices and appearances opens up appreciation for the diversity within the northern thrush group.