The wood thrush is a North American passerine bird in the family Turdidae and is the only species placed in the genus Hylocichla. It is closely related to other thrushes such as the American robin and is widely distributed across North America, wintering in Central America and southern Mexico. The wood thrush is the official bird of the District of Columbia.
Region
Eastern North America (breeding) and Mesoamerica (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds across the eastern United States and southern Canada in moist, mature deciduous and mixed forests with a well-developed understory and deep leaf litter. Prefers large, unfragmented forest interiors and avoids heavily disturbed edges. Winters in lowland and foothill tropical broadleaf forests from southern Mexico through Central America. During migration it uses woodlots, riparian corridors, and forest patches, often stopping where leaf litter is plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The wood thrush is renowned for its flute-like, ethereal song produced by a specialized syrinx that can create two notes at once. It breeds in mature deciduous and mixed forests of eastern North America and winters in Central America and southern Mexico. Populations have declined due to forest fragmentation and brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. It is the official bird of the District of Columbia.
Nesting in Pennsylvania, USA
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights through the understory
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during breeding; males defend territories vigorously. Nests are open cups placed on low to mid-level branches or shrubs; females incubate while males assist in feeding nestlings. Frequently attempts multiple broods per season but is vulnerable to nest predation and cowbird parasitism.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Rich, flute-like phrases often rendered as ee-oh-lay, with a ventriloquial quality due to dual-voice singing. Most singing occurs at dawn and dusk, and soft calls include sharp chips and liquid tut notes.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown above with a richer, more rufous crown; white underparts heavily marked with bold, round black spots on the breast and flanks.
Diet
Primarily forages on the forest floor for leaf-litter invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, earthworms, and snails. In late summer and on the wintering grounds it adds substantial fruit, including dogwood, spicebush, black gum, and pokeweed berries. Occasionally takes small amphibians or other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shady, moist forest interiors with deep leaf litter and scattered saplings, often near streams or ravines. In winter, uses dense understory of tropical forests and second growth where fruit and invertebrates are abundant.
