General

Varied Thrush: Large thrush with dark gray upperparts, rust-brown throat, breast, sides and eyebrows, black breast band, and white belly and undertail. Wings are dark gray with two rust-brown bars. Tail is dark gray with white corners. Female is much duller.

Range and Habitat

Varied Thrush: Breeds from Alaska and Yukon south to Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana. Spends winters from coastal Alaska southward. Preferred habitats include dense coniferous or deciduous forests with abundant water.

Breeding and Nesting

Varied Thrush: Two to five pale blue eggs with brown flecks are laid in a moss-lined twig cup built in a small tree, sapling, or bush. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Varied Thrush: Eats fruits, berries, and insects; forages on the ground, in trees, and in shrubs.

Readily Eats

Raisins, Currants, Nut Meal

Vocalization

Varied Thrush: Song is two or three buzzing whistles followed by a short silence. Call sounds like a low "took."

Similar Species

Varied Thrush: American Robin lacks dark breast band and rust-brown eyestripes and wing-bars.