The Varied Thrush is a medium-sized North American thrush. It breeds in coniferous forests across western North America from southeastern Alaska to northern California. The Varied Thrush winters along the Pacific Coast from southern Alaska to central California. This striking bird can be identified by its orange-banded wing, black bib, and rusty colored flank spots. Knowing where to look is key to finding this special species.
Where to Find Varied Thrush in Summer
The Varied Thrush breeds in mature coniferous forests across western North America. Here are some of the best places to find it during the breeding season:
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest, spanning northwest California through western Oregon and Washington, as well as southern British Columbia, supports excellent breeding habitat for the Varied Thrush. Search for it in dense stands of conifers, including coastal redwoods, Douglas fir, and western hemlock. Good spots include Redwood National Park in northern California, the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, and Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Listen for the ringing, flute-like song of the Varied Thrush emanating from the trees.
Northern Rockies
Inland coniferous forests provide prime breeding grounds for the Varied Thrush in Idaho, western Montana, and northwest Wyoming. Productive areas to search include Boise and Payette National Forests in central Idaho, Bitterroot National Forest along the Idaho/Montana border, and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. In these forests of fir, spruce, and pine, watch overhead branches for Varied Thrush pairs gathering nesting material.
Alaska
The coastal rainforests of southeast Alaska harbor excellent summer populations of the Varied Thrush. Search stands of mountain hemlock and Sitka spruce, especially in Tongass National Forest. The bird’s rising, spiraling song carries far through the dense trees. Farther north, also look in the conifer forests of mainland and coastal southcentral Alaska. Key locations include Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest near Anchorage.
Where to Find Varied Thrush in Winter
In winter, Varied Thrushes descend from mountain forests to lower elevations along the Pacific Coast. Here are prime areas to find them in winter:
Pacific Northwest
Varied Thrush numbers swell in the lowland coniferous forests west of the Cascades and coastal mountain ranges from southwest British Columbia to northwest California in winter. Search Douglas fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce woods, especially those with berry-producing shrubs. Hotspots include the Willamette Valley of Oregon, Puget Lowlands in Washington, and Fraser Valley in southwest British Columbia.
California
Central and northern coastal California offers great opportunities to find wintering Varied Thrushes. Search areas like the redwood forests around Eureka and Arcata in the far north. Farther south, try oak woodlands and parks with conifers like Point Reyes National Seashore and urban sites along the San Francisco Peninsula. In southern California, numbers decrease but check areas like Pasadena and Mount Wilson.
Alaska
Some Varied Thrushes remain along thePacific coast of Alaska in winter. The best areas are in southeast Alaska from about Juneau south, where Sitka spruce forests come down to the rocky shorelines. Watch for the birds flipping over leaves and moss in search of food. Also look in lower elevations around towns like Ketchikan and Sitka.
Habitats and Feeding Behavior
Understanding the habitats and feeding habits of the Varied Thrush will help you know where to look.
Breeding Habitat
On its breeding grounds, the Varied Thrush occurs in mature, shady coniferous forests with a dense understory. It favors stands of firs, spruces, hemlocks, pines, and other conifers. The presence of berry-producing shrubs is also important for food. Open mid-canopy areas for nest placement and a thick, mossy forest floor for feeding are also key habitat components.
Winter Habitat
In winter, Varied Thrushes use a wider variety of forest habitats but usually occur where there is plentiful cover and food. Coastal forests of spruce, pine, fir, and redwoods are used, as are interior oak woodlands. The birds frequent lower elevations but remain tied to conifers. Forest edges, clearings, parks, and yards with trees are regularly utilized in winter.
Feeding Behavior
Varied Thrushes spend much of their time on the forest floor flipping over litter to uncover insects, spiders, and other arthropods. They also feed heavily on berries and fruits in trees and shrubs, especially in winter. By watching where Varied Thrushes are foraging – on mossy logs, in leaf litter, or berry bushes – you can better narrow down their location.
Best Times of Day and Year
The Varied Thrush is more likely to be found at certain times of day and times of year:
Breeding Season
To find breeding Varied Thrushes, seek them from April to July, with activity peaking in May through June. Focus efforts in the core coniferous forest habitats they prefer for nesting and raising young. Listen and watch for pairs engaged in breeding behaviors like singing, carrying nest materials, and feeding fledglings.
Winter Months
From October to March, Varied Thrushes can be found wintering along the Pacific Coast, especially November through February when their numbers are highest. Coastal forests and woodlands will have the greatest concentrations in winter.
Early Mornings
Varied Thrushes are most active in the mornings and tend to be more vocal and visible. Their flute-like songs ring through the forests at first light. Listen for them and watch forest edges and clearings early in the day.
Feeding Times
When Varied Thrushes are feeding they are engaged in behaviors like flipping over litter that can reveal their presence. Try to observe forests during peak feeding times, like early morning and around sunset, to note where the birds are foraging.
How to Attract Varied Thrush
You can increase your chances of finding Varied Thrush by using strategic birding techniques:
Playback Calls
In breeding areas, try playing recordings of Varied Thrush territorial songs. The bold birds may come in to investigate and defend their territory. But use playback sparingly and ethically.
Watch Fruiting Trees
In winter, scope out fruiting trees like crabapples, hawthorns, and mountain ash. Varied Thrushes are fond of berries in winter and may congregate in productive trees.
Use Squeaking
Make a squeaking sound, like a mouse, by kissing the back of your hand. Varied Thrushes foraging on the forest floor may come in to investigate potential prey.
Check Mossy Logs
Focus your search around fallen mossy logs, nurse logs, and other prime feeding spots. Patiently watch these areas and you may be rewarded.
Conclusion
Finding the charismatic Varied Thrush takes effort but offers a special reward for birders. By understanding this bird’s breeding and wintering ranges across the Pacific Northwest and California, knowing the mature coniferous forest habitats it prefers, and using smart birding tactics, you can increase your chances of crossing paths with this striking species. Any day birding for Varied Thrushes in beautiful western forests is sure to be a good one. So grab your binoculars and rain gear and start your quest for this orange-banded gem. The glimpse of a Varied Thrush feeding on a rainforest floor or the resounding melody of its song will be remembered long after your boots dry out.