Swainson's Thrush

Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) is named after the English ornithologist William Swainson. With white breasts and underwings, along with brown heads, these thrushes can be found all throughout Dimond Park. They are shy but vocal birds, and are more likely to be heard than seen. They have a distinctive, spiraling song that can be difficult to locate, as they are often perched in dense foliage. During fall and spring migrations, their soft, bell-like “peeps” may be mistaken for the calls of a frog. Swainson's thrushes consume fruit and various bugs, helping with insect abatement.