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Thrush Identification

The Varied Thrush, Hermit Thrush, and Swainson's Thrush are just a few members of this large bird family.

Thrushes are interesting birds because they can be so varied in both size and coloration. Smaller birds like the Hermit Thrush and Swainson's Thrush can be difficult to see, but instantly recongnizable by their distinct songs. Larger members like American Robins and Varied Thrushes can be easier to observe, with the latter more secretive than the former. American Robins can be found foraging in lawns across the U.S., while Varied Thrushes like to stick to the shaded tree tops.


Get to Know Your Thrushes

American Robin American Robin | Turdus migratorius | 9" - 11"
The torches of the autumn trees have all been snuffed, and our landscape is plunged into a wet dimness. Yet, nature has its way of evening things out, for those who have an eye to seek joy in the small things. If you have ever watched a flock of American Robins alight in a persimmon tree, you will know just what I mean. Read Article »
Varied Thrush Varied Thrush | Ixoreus naevius | 9" - 10"
As brilliantly orange and inky black as a Victorian Hallowe’en card, the Varied Thrush’s hues are only really comparable to those of the Northern Oriole. You’ll see orange on the throat and breast, an eyebrow stripe and barred wing feathers. Read Article »
Swainson's Thrush Swainson's Thrush | Catharus ustulatus | 7"
This fantastically secretive bird stops people in their tracks each year when it arrives from the south for the warm season and begins sounding its other-worldly song. The musician’s ear detects a couple of grace notes followed by an ethereal series of rising triplets, all rendered in a most unusual, wheezy, electronic-sounding voice. Read Article »

- Read the Latest News from the Birding Sonoma County Blog -

Tomales Bay State Park Closure - One Upset Birder Tomales Bay State Park Closure - One Upset Birder
January 22, 2008, Point Reyes, CA
Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to close our beautiful, sacred Tomales Bay State Park in Marin County along with 42 other desperately-needed and exuberantly cherished state parks throughout California. Closing all of these wonderful parks would not even take us 1% in the direction of being back in the black. And think of what will have been lost. Read Article »

Bay Area Oil Spill A Disaster For Birds Bay Area Oil Spill A Disaster For Birds
November 11, 2007, Kenwood, CA
When the Cosco Busan crashed into the Bay Bridge, every birder I know immediately thought of what this disaster would mean for the birds. In addition to our beloved birds, whales will be swimming through the oil, as will seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. West Marin is one of my favorite places on earth, and to see it thus spoiled fills me with sorrow and anger. Read Article »

Bewick's Wren - A hidden Bay Area bird worth seeking! Bewick's Wren - A hidden Bay Area bird worth seeking!
October 7, 2007, Glen Ellen, CA
Today, we'll turn our gaze on Bewick's Wren, Thryomanes bewickii, one of the larger SF Bay Area Wrens. Bewick's Wren, like most wrens, will instantly strike you as being 'all-tail'. Identification clue number one for wrens is that they tend to hold their tails up-turned, as if in proud of their lovely plumes. Read Article »

The White-crowned Sparrow has returned! The White-crowned Sparrow has returned!
September 24, 2007, Kenwood, CA
This trusty little bird disappeared when the weather heated up, early in the year, heading north to cooler Canada. Just this afternoon, my husband called me to the window excitedly. There, at the foot of the photinia hedge, a lone White-crowned Sparrow was hopping humbly through the green grass. Read Article »