Gray-cheeked Thrush Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Bicknell's Thrush
Adult
Bicknell's Thrushes look very similar to Gray-cheeked Thrushes and often can not be separated in the field based on field marks. The best way to separate them is by voice.
© Tom Johnson | Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, May 11, 2016Similar Species
Swainson's Thrush
Adult (Olive-backed)
Swainson's Thrushes have a buffy eyering that Gray-cheeked lacks. They also have more of a buffy wash on the face and throat than Gray-cheeked Thrushes.
© Shawn Billerman | Macaulay LibraryWyoming, May 14, 2016Similar Species
Hermit Thrush
Adult
Hermit Thrushes have more distinct spotting on the breast than Gray-cheeked Thrushes and a brighter cinnamon tail.
© Yves Gauthier (Mtl) | Macaulay LibraryQuebec, April 18, 2014Main Species
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Medium-sized plump thrush without a prominent eyering. The face is grayish and lacks any buffy color. The underparts are whitish with grayer flanks.
© Anonymous | Macaulay LibraryOntario, May 23, 2020Round-headed thrush that lacks an eyering. The face is grayish and lacks any hint of buff color, although the breast is often washed in buff.
© Alix d'Entremont | Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, May 07, 2017Forages quietly on forest floor or low in understory. Breeds in far northern North America; typically seen by most birders only in migration.
© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryNew York, October 05, 2011Not all videos have sound
Medium-sized thrush. Intensity of spotting on the breast varies among individuals. Note grayish face without any buffy color or eyering.
© Alix d'Entremont | Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, May 07, 2017© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 30, 2019
© Kathy Malone | Macaulay LibraryTennessee, October 01, 2020
Plump thrush with a cold gray face that often appears slightly streaky. No eyering.
© Donald Casavecchia | Macaulay LibraryVirginia, October 01, 2016© Justin Saunders | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 30, 2017
Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Thrushes and Allies(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Turdidae)
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.