ExploreBirds

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

Swainson's Thrush is a lovely bird known for its beautiful song. It has a brown back and spotted chest, making it easy to recognize in the woods.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Swainson's Thrush has a warm brown back and head, with a paler buffy chest spotted with dark brown. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent buffy eye-ring and lores, making its eyes look 'spectacled'. This unique facial pattern helps differentiate it from other thrushes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTurdidaeGenusCatharus
Swainson's Thrush
feathered trait badgespotted trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badge
Swainson's Thrush

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

23

Interesting facts

Their incredible flute-like song always spirals *up* in pitch, a true forest symphony!

These tiny birds can sometimes travel from Alaska all the way to Argentina!

When startled, they make a distinct 'pup' call, like a tiny alarm bell!

Wow! Swainson's Thrushes fly thousands of kilometers, often migrating under the stars at night!

Special abilities

Ability

Celestial Navigator

Swainson's Thrush can navigate thousands of miles using stars and Earth's magnetic field, helping them find their way across continents.

Ability

Spiral Songster

Swainson's Thrush has a unique flute-like song that spirals upwards, helping them communicate with others from hidden spots.

Ability

Forest Forager

Swainson's Thrush can quickly spot and snatch insects from the leaf litter because of their excellent vision, helping them find food.

Measurements & details

Length
16-20 cm
Wingspan
30-35 cm
Weight
0.027-0.045 kg
Lifespan
2-10 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
10-14 days
Migration Distance
7000 km

Diet & Feeding

They are omnivores, eating mostly insects and berries depending on the season and availability.

Age differences: Adults mainly eat insects during breeding, switching to more fruits and berries during migration.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • ants
  • caterpillars
  • earthworms
  • wild berries
  • small fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Nestlings and adults are hunted.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Can raid nests for eggs and chicks.

eats

Red Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Feeds on ripe fruits during migration.

eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Forages for ants and their larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Swainson's Thrush?

The easiest way to identify Swainson's Thrush is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Swainson's Thrush?

16-20 cm

What is Swainson's Thrush's wingspan?

30-35 cm

How much does Swainson's Thrush weigh?

0.027-0.045 kg

How long does Swainson's Thrush live?

2-10 years

How fast can Swainson's Thrush move?

50 km/h

What does Swainson's Thrush eat?

They are omnivores, eating mostly insects and berries depending on the season and availability.

Where is Swainson's Thrush usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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