swainson’s thrush

1. Bird Name
The bird that we’re delving into is the Swainson’s Thrush, scientifically known as Catharus ustulatus.

2. Appearance
This medium-sized songbird displays a uniform and elegant appeal with an overall brown upper body that gradually lightens towards the underparts. The Swainson’s Thrush, distinctive for its rounded head shape and large dark eyes, carries a buffy wash on its chest which contrasts with its white belly. Both males and females exhibit the same coloration and patterns. It has a slight, seemingly thoughtful eye ring along with a narrow, short bill.

3. Size
On average, the Swainson’s Thrush, a bit larger than a sparrow, measures from 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 inches) in length. Its wingspan ranges from 29–33 cm (11-13 inches). As for its weight, this bird typically runs between 25–45 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Swainson’s Thrush spans across many regions. During the breeding season, it’s found throughout Alaska, Canada, the northern United States, and west in the Rocky Mountains. It prefers nesting in damp forests, favoring spots near streams, mossy areas, or dense undergrowth. In winter, it migrates to Mexico and Central America and goes as far south as Argentina, preferring habitats in lowland and foothill forests.

5. Interesting Facts
A unique feature about Swainson’s Thrush is its long flight during migration. This bird travels mostly at night, flying thousands of miles nonstop over open water and land. As a symbol of wilderness and solitude, its ethereal flute-like song often serves as the soundtrack of northern forests and Pacific coast. Interestingly, it exhibits a phenomenon known as “leapfrog migration,” where birds from northerly breeding grounds travel farther south in winter, bypassing the resident populations from the more southerly breeding areas.

6. Diet
Swainson’s Thrush has a diverse diet, consisting of insects, spiders, fruits, and berries. They eat a considerable amount of invertebrates during the breeding season, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders.

7. Behavior & Sounds
This thrush is quite secretive and is more often heard than seen. But when it does surface, it characteristically flicks its wings and rustles its tail feathers. It emits a spiraling, melodic song, reminiscent of its habitat; a tranquil forest. During migratory flights, they make “whit” calls to communicate with each other.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, Swainson’s Thrush is of ‘Least Concern.’ However, some populations, particularly on the Pacific coast, have experienced declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of Swainson’s Thrush is about 8 years, though some individuals have been known to live up to 12 years in the wild. The species’ lifespan may extend in a safe and healthy environment.

10. Additional Notes
Locally, the Swainson’s Thrush is also known as ‘Swainson’s Solitaire’ in Spanish-speaking regions. Beyond their diet, they play a significant role in seed dispersion due to their fruit-eating habit. Their choice in leaf litter and ground insects also aids in controlling those populations, contributing positively to their habitats’ ecosystems. Humans and Swainson’s Thrush have a mostly distant relationship because the species habituates in densely wooded areas. However, the unmistakable sound of the species’ song is welcomed by humans experiencing these lush vistas.