Gray-cheeked Thrush
Catharus minimus
Description
The Gray-cheeked Thrush is a relatively shy species, especially during migration when it passes through Tennessee. It is the least well-studied of the spotted thrushes and has the most northern breeding range, stretching across the taiga from Newfoundland to eastern Siberia. The non-breeding range is not well known, but includes parts of South America east of the Andes from Colombia to northwestern Brazil.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush is a regular, but uncommon, spring and fall migrant across Tennessee, and is most likely to be found in wooded areas with thick undergrowth. This medium-sized thrush has brownish-gray upperparts and tail, is pale below with heavier spotting on the breast than other thrushes, a plain gray face with some light streaks but no eye-ring.
Length: 7.25"
Wingspan: 13"
Weight: 1.1 oz.
Voice: Song is a descending spiral, similar to that of the Veery, but higher, thinner, and more nasal.
Similar Species: Swainson's Thrush has similar markings and coloring, but the face is buffy with a distinct buffy eye-ring. Veery has a similar plain face, but more muted spotting on the breast, and is usually more reddish overall. Hermit Thrush has a distinct rusty tail, which it characteristically flicks up and slowly lowers.
Habitat: Found in wooded areas with thick undergrowth.
Diet: Insects and other arthropods, fruit.
Nesting and reproduction: The Gray-cheeked Thrush has never been known to nest in Tennessee.
Status in Tennessee: The Gray-cheeked Thrush is a regular, but uncommon spring and fall migrant, and very rare summer visitor across the state.
Best place to see in Tennessee: Wooded areas across the state during spring and fall migration.
Fun Facts
- The Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's Thrushes were only recently recognized as separate species. Most of the information published in the last century under the name of "Gray-cheeked Thrush" was actually the rarer Bicknell's Thrush. Even though the Gray-cheeked Thrush has a much larger range across North America, the Bicknell's Thrush's small range is closer to centers of human population, and was therefore the easier species to study.
- Bicknell's Thrush is essentially indistinguishable from the Gray-cheeked Thrush except for its slightly larger size and different song.
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