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Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TURDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Swainson

© Bill Dyer/CLO

The Swainson's Thrush is distinguished from the other spotted thrushes by its obvious eyering and buffy face.

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Appearance

Thrushes
Thrushes
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized thrush.
  • Back olive-brown.
  • Dark spots on chest.
  • Distinct buffy eyering and buffy face.

Immature Description

Like adult.

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Swainson
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Similar Species

  • Hermit Thrush has eyering, but it is white, not buffy, lacks the buffy face, and has a rufous tail contrasting with the browner back.
  • Western form of Veery similar to western Swainson's, but has less buffy on face, more reddish in wings, and gray, not olive or rufous flanks.