Gray-cheeked Thrush

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

Least Concern

Aves · Passeriformes · Turdidae

About

The gray-cheeked thrush is a medium-sized thrush. This species is 15โ€“17ย cm (5.9โ€“6.7ย in) in length, and has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes. It is a member of a close-knit group of migrant species together with the veery and Bicknell's thrush; it forms a cryptic species pair with the latter. The gray-cheeked thrush is all but indistinguishable from Bicknell's thrush except by its slightly larger size and different song. The two were formerly considered conspecific. Of all the American spotted thrushes, the gray-cheeked has the most northern breeding range.

Fun Fact

It is a member of a close-knit group of migrant species together with the veery and Bicknell's thrush; it forms a cryptic species pair with the latter.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Range includes the northern boreal forests from Newfoundland to Alaska in North America and across the Bering Sea to Eastern Siberia associated with dense conifer and broadleaf shrub thickets.

Diet

Feeds on crayfish, sow bugs, and earthworms.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance