The veery is a small North American thrush species, a member of a group of closely related and similar species in the genus Catharus, also including the gray-cheeked thrush, Bicknell's thrush, Swainson's thrush, and hermit thrush. Alternate names for this species include Wilson's thrush and tawny thrush. Up to six subspecies exist, which are grouped into the eastern veery, the western veery or willow thrush, and the Newfoundland veery.
Region
North America (breeding) and northern South America (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds across southern Canada and the northern United States, favoring moist deciduous and mixed forests with dense understory near streams and wetlands. During migration it passes through eastern and central North America. In winter it occupies lowland tropical forests, particularly floodplain and terra firme forests of the Amazon Basin. It keeps to shaded understories and riparian corridors where leaf litter and fruiting shrubs are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The veery’s ethereal, downward-spiraling song often sounds ventriloquial in dense woods. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in North America and wintering mainly in the Amazon Basin. Nests are typically low or on the ground in damp thickets, where both parents feed the young.
Juvenile, banded near Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights through understory
Social Behavior
Generally solitary and territorial in the breeding season; males sing from concealed perches at dawn and dusk. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on or near the ground; both parents provision nestlings. During migration, individuals may loosely associate at foraging sites but do not form tight flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, flute-like, downward-spiraling series of notes that can sound ventriloquial in dense woods. Call notes include a clear, whistled 'veer' that gives the species its common name.
Plumage
Warm tawny-brown upperparts with whitish underparts and faint, diffuse spotting on the upper breast; plain face with minimal contrast.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Supplements diet with berries and small fruits, especially in late summer and on migration. Will occasionally take small snails and other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor and in low understory of moist deciduous or mixed woods, often near streams or wet seeps. In winter, frequents shaded understories of Amazonian forests and river edges with abundant leaf litter.
