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Hermit Thrush

©Dave Menke, USFWS

Length: 6-7.5 in.
Habitat: moist coniferous or mixed forests; other woodlands, parks (migration)

The song of this retiring bird is an extraordinary sequence of phrases on varying pitches. Each phrase begins with a single whistle and closes with a jumble of brilliant, bubbly notes. On nesting territory in the northern forests, its song may often be heard with the songs of Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), olive-backed bird that lacks the Hermit's rusty tail.