Varied Thrush

The Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is a striking bird of the thrush family, Turdidae, and the sole representative of the genus Ixoreus. This fairly large thrush species boasts a robust build and intense orange and black plumage, with males displaying a distinctive grayish-blue crown and tail end, and females adorned in more subdued olive-browns and grays.

Identification Tips

Adult males are characterized by their medium orange breasts and throats, elegantly offset by a curved gray pattern. Their wings are marked with dark streaks, and they have a pale bill with a tan base. Females and juveniles are less vivid, with females presenting a gray-brown wash and juveniles starting life with brown plumage and two orange wing bars.

Habitat

The Varied Thrush is most commonly found in dense, older conifer forests at high elevations, where the moist environment provides an ideal habitat. During winter, they may descend to lower elevations, frequenting towns, orchards, and thickets, or migrate as far as California.

Distribution

Breeding from Alaska to northern California, the Varied Thrush is a migratory bird, with northern populations moving southward within or slightly beyond their breeding range. Some populations may only move altitudinally. This species has also been recorded as a rare vagrant in western Europe.

Behaviour

In winter, Varied Thrushes can be seen in flocks of up to 20 birds. They are known for their eastward flights during winter, appearing in various states before returning to the west coast for breeding.

Song & Calls

The Varied Thrush's call is a haunting, ethereal tone that echoes through its forested habitat, adding to the mystique of the Pacific Northwest's dense coniferous forests.

Breeding

The Varied Thrush nests in the dense foliage of coniferous trees, laying 2 to 5 pale blue eggs, lightly dotted with brown. The female incubates the eggs, and both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings.

Similar Species

The American Robin is similar in size to the Varied Thrush but can be distinguished by its different coloration and habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

The Varied Thrush's diet is predominantly insectivorous during the summer, focusing on ground-dwelling arthropods. In migration and winter, it shifts to fruits, seeds, and acorns, though it still consumes arthropods. It forages on the ground and in trees for berries and fruits.

Conservation status

The Varied Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.