Fauna
Bird

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

Also known as American Hermit Thrush

Hermit Thrushes are famed for an ethereal, flutelike song that echoes through cool coniferous and mixed forests across North America. Easily recognized by a rust-red tail that contrasts with a duller olive-brown back, they frequently flick their tail upward and slowly lower it while foraging. During winter, they expand their diet from forest insects to include berries and wild fruits in dense southern thickets.

SongbirdMigratoryForest
Hermit Thrush reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, Caterpillars, Berries
Predators
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Cooper's Hawk
  • Domestic Cat
ThreatsWindow collisions, habitat fragmentation, and domestic cats
HabitatsConiferous and mixed forests, wintering in woodlands and thickets
Life span3–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyTurdidae
  2. SpeciesCatharus guttatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Calls: Listen for its ethereal, flutelike song at dawn and dusk during spring and summer.
  • Look Down: Watch the leaf litter on forest trails where it actively flips leaves to uncover insects.
  • Tail Movements: Key in on its distinctive habit of cocking its reddish tail upward and slowly dropping it.
Related species
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