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.
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 [no photo available yet]. The Swainson's Thrush's olive color of the back is uniform and extends to the tail wings.
Where and When to Spot
I saw this bird during migration in Tadoussac, May 2018, in large numbers feeding within bushes and trees along the coast.
Common Names
Swainson's Thrush, Olive-backed thrush
Zwergdrossel (de)
Zorzalito de Swainson (es)
Grive à dos olive (fr)
Taxonomy
Passeriformes
Turdidae
Catharus ustulatus