Where does the Varied Thrush live?
Ixoreus naevius
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Open the appThe Varied Thrush lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Temperate coniferous forests, mixed forests, and occasionally deciduous forests.
Geographic range
Breeds from southeastern Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia south through the Pacific Northwest to northern California, and eastward to western Montana. Winters primarily along the Pacific Coast from southeastern Alaska to southern California, and irregularly inland to the southwestern United States.
Preferred environments
Prefers dense, moist forests with a thick understory, often near streams or damp areas. During winter, they can be found in suburban parks and gardens with suitable tree cover.
Elevation range
From sea level to subalpine forests, typically breeding at higher elevations in the southern parts of its range and lower elevations further north. Winters at lower elevations.
Where to look
Dense Coniferous Forests
Primary breeding habitat. Look in old-growth or mature forests with a dense canopy and rich understory, especially near water.
Mixed Forests
Also found in mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands, particularly during migration and winter.
Suburban Parks and Gardens
During winter, especially in coastal areas, they can be found in well-wooded parks, large gardens, and areas with berry-producing shrubs.
Riparian Areas
Often found along stream banks and in damp forest bottoms where invertebrate prey is abundant.
Field tips
- Listen for the Song. The Varied Thrush's song is highly distinctive and often heard before the bird is seen. Learn to recognize its haunting, single-note whistles.
- Look on the Forest Floor. They spend a lot of time foraging on the ground. Watch for movement in leaf litter, especially the characteristic double-scratching.
- Be Patient in Dense Cover. These birds can be shy and prefer dense cover. Sit quietly in appropriate habitat and wait for them to emerge or move into view.
- Check Berry Bushes in Winter. In fall and winter, focus on areas with abundant berry-producing shrubs and trees, as they are a primary food source.
- Dawn and Dusk. They are most active and vocal during the early morning and late evening hours.
Migration
Northern populations are migratory, moving south to coastal areas and lower elevations for winter. Southern populations may be resident or undertake short-distance altitudinal migrations. Migration occurs primarily at night.
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