Swainson’s Thrush

Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus), also called olive-backed thrush and russet-backed thrush, is a medium-sized thrush in the Turdidae family. These birds migrate to southern Mexico and as far south as Argentina. The coastal subspecies migrate down the Pacific coast of North America and winter from Mexico to Costa Rica, whereas the continental birds migrate eastwards within North America (a substantial detour) and then travel southwards via Florida to winter from Panama to Bolivia.

The breeding habitat of Swainson’s thrush is coniferous woods with dense undergrowth across Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States; also, deciduous wooded areas on the Pacific coast of North America.

They forage on the forest floor, also in trees. Swainson’s thrushes mainly eat insects, fruits and berries.