Facts about Swainson's Thrush
- 07
Swainson's Thrush undergoes complete molt twice annually, with the pre-alternate molt occurring in late winter on South American wintering grounds before northward migration.
- 06
Swainson's Thrush nests in coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and the northern United States, constructing cup-shaped nests from twigs, grass, and mud at heights of 5 to 50 feet above ground.
- 05
During spring migration, Swainson's Thrush navigates using the Earth's magnetic field combined with celestial cues, allowing nocturnal journeys across thousands of kilometers.
- 04
Swainson's Thrush weighs approximately 27 to 30 grams, making it one of the smallest thrush species in North America despite their remarkable transcontinental migrations.
- 03
Breeding plumage in Swainson's Thrush includes a russet-brown upper body and spotted breast, while their eyes display a distinctive pale orbital ring that aids identification in dim forest light.
- 02
Swainson's Thrush produces a flute-like, ascending song consisting of four to six musical phrases that can be heard up to 300 feet away in forest habitats.
- 01
Over 3,000 miles of migration separate the breeding grounds of Swainson's Thrush in North America from their wintering territories in South America.