About the Swainson's Thrush
Swainson's thrush, also called olive-backed thrush, russet-backed thrush, and salmonberry bird is a medium-sized thrush. It is a member of genus Catharus and is typical of it in terms of its subdued coloration and beautiful, ascending flute-like voice. Swainson's thrush was named after William Swainson, an English ornithologist.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This species is 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) in length. The wingspan averages at 30 cm (12 in) and the wing chord is 8.7–10.5 cm (3.4–4.1 in). The bill measures 1.5–1.9 cm (0.59–0.75 in) in length and the tarsus is 2.5 to 3.1 cm (0.98 to 1.22 in) long. This species' body mass can range from 23 to 45 g (0.81 to 1.59 oz). This thrush has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes. Adults are brown on the upperparts. The underparts are white with brown on the flanks; the breast is lighter brown with darker spots. They have pink legs and a light brown eye ring.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Swainson's Thrush sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Sweden, Norway, Spain, France, Brazil, Ireland, Chile, Uruguay, British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Hermit ThrushCatharus guttatusThis species measures 15 to 18 cm (5.9 to 7.1 in) in length, spans 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) across the wings and weighs 18 to 37 g (0.63 to 1.31 oz).
VeeryCatharus fuscescensThis species measures 16–19.5 cm (6.3–7.7 in) in length.
Grey-cheeked ThrushCatharus minimusThe gray-cheeked thrush is slightly larger than other Catharus thrushes, about 16 to 17 cm (6.7 in) in height and weighing between 26 and 30g.
Side by side: Hermit Thrush vs Swainson's Thrush · Swainson's Thrush vs Wood Thrush · Swainson's Thrush vs Veery · Grey-cheeked Thrush vs Swainson's Thrush
Learn the Swainson's Thrush for real
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