Fauna Flora Photography

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus

A small bird, active on the ground, that feeds on insects, other invertebrates and fruits. Swainson's Thrush undertakes a long migration journey as it travels every year until Bolivia and Argentina, South America.

Specs

Length18-20cm
Weight28g
Wingspan25-28cm

Common Names

GermanZwergdrossel
EnglishSwainson's Thrush
FrenchGrive à dos olive
SpanishZorzalito de Swainson

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyTurdidae
SpeciesCatharus ustulatus

How to Identify

A bit larger than the small birds, about the size of a Red-winged Blackbird. I look at the colour of the tail to distinguish this bird from a close relative the Hermit Thrush. The Swainson's Thrush's olive color of the back is uniform and extends to the tail wings.

Swainsons Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) - Tadoussac - 2018-05-22

Where and When to Spot

I saw this bird during spring migration in Tadoussac, May 2018, in large numbers feeding within bushes and trees along the coast.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Belvédère Outremont x - - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

Last updated on 2024-03-14. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.