Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 6.25 inches
* Eastern United States have olive-brown upperparts-browner in western birds
* Buffy spectacles
* Dark spots on breast
* Underparts white with brownish flanks
* Pink legs
* Thin bill with pale base to lower mandible
* Sexes similar
* Often forages on forest floor
* Distinctive song

Similar species:

The Bicknell's thrush resides in forests where it is more often heard than seen. It most similar to other thrushes. Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's Thrushes lack buffy spectacles and have gray cheeks. In the East, Veeries have rustier upperparts, less spotting on the breast and lack spectacles. In the West, Veeries and Swainson's Thrushes are quite similar and can be separated by flank color, gray in Veeries and brown in Swainson's. Wood and Hermit Thrushes have rusty areas on their upperparts.