Hermit Thrush

Turidae: Thrush and Bluebirds American Robin Townsend's Solitaire Varied Thrush Western Bluebird Wood Thrush Types of Birds

The facial pattern on the Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) makes it appear to be a grouchy bird.

Looks can be deceiving, because the song and migration pattern of the species suggests it is a very happy United States resident.

Unlike other thrush in the Catharus genus, such as the Wood Thrush, the Hermit Thrush migrates to coastal areas of both the East and West Coasts during the winter.

During breeding season, the Hermit Thrush can be found in most forested areas of the United States. Though they tend to live and breed inside forest boundaries, during early morning hours, they can often be spotted along open areas adjacent to their forest homes.

In 1941, the state of Vermont designated the Hermit Thrush the official state bird.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels