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A photo of a Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
Swainson's Thrush

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus), also called olive-backed thrush and russet-backed thrush, is a medium-sized thrush. It is a member of genus Catharus and is typical of it in terms of its subdued coloration and beautiful, ascending flute-like voice. Swainson's thrush was named after William Swainson, an English ornithologist. This species is 16–20 cm in length. This thrush has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes. Adults are brown on the upperparts. The underparts are white with brown on the flanks; the breast is lighter brown with darker spots. They have pink legs and a light brown eye ring. Birds in the east are more olive-brown on the upperparts; western birds are more reddish brown. This bird's song is a hurried series of flute-like tones spiralling upwards.
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Swainson's Thrushes on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
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Alex Wight
Saturday 03 Jun 2023 - 4:24am
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Mark Taylor
Thursday 01 Jun 2023 - 9:54am
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦂
Andrew Vanderwall
Monday 29 May 2023 - 5:51pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🐧
Margaret Gazdacka
Monday 29 May 2023 - 11:55am
United States
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