Facts about Gray-cheeked Thrush
- 06
Nocturnal migration allows Gray-cheeked Thrushes to travel under cover of darkness, reducing predation risk during their lengthy transcontinental journeys between continents.
- 05
Rufous coloring on the Gray-cheeked Thrush's tail distinguishes it from the similar Swainson's Thrush, which displays olive-brown tail feathers instead.
- 04
Arctic breeding populations of Gray-cheeked Thrushes remain on their northern territories for only 2 to 3 months before beginning their southward migration in late August.
- 03
At approximately 7.5 inches long, Gray-cheeked Thrushes are notably smaller than their American Robin relatives, weighing only 24 to 30 grams on average.
- 02
The Gray-cheeked Thrush's flute-like song consists of two-part phrases with the second phrase typically delivered at a higher pitch than the first.
- 01
During spring migration, Gray-cheeked Thrushes travel roughly 3,000 miles from South American wintering grounds to northern Canadian breeding territories.