Thrushes

Thrushes are medium-sized songbirds with medium-sized bills, large heads, and strong legs.  Most thrushes focus on eating insects, spiders, and worms, and they spend a lot of time on the ground looking for their food.  As a group, they’re known for their beautiful whistling songs.

Worldwide, thrushes are found on every continent except for Antarctica.  There are 175 species, of which eight visit Pennsylvania each year.

• Three species are in the state year-round: Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, and American Robin.
• Three species nest in the state but spend the winter in the tropics: Veery, Wood Thrush, and Swainson’s Thrush.
• Two species are only seen as they pass through during spring and fall migration: Gray-cheeked Thrush and Bicknell’s Thrush.

You’re probably already pretty familiar with bluebirds and robins.  You may also see Hermit Thrushes in your yard this time of year.  Watch for a bird that is shaped like a robin but with a shorter bill.  The Hermit Thrush has a white breast with bold black spots, a brown back, and reddish-brown feathers on the wings and tail.  Like robins, they’re likely to spend much of their time on the ground.