Bird Spotlight - The Varied Thrush

In the moss-draped forests of the Pacific Northwest, you might be the lucky birdwatcher to catch sight of—a striking orange and black bird approximately the size of an American Robin. If you never seen this bird before you will wonder, what is up with that Robin's feathers, and then you will consult your birding guide and learn that you have just sighted—the Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius). This enigmatic and somewhat elusive species enchants those who are fortunate enough to spot it. Let's explore the identification, habitat, behavior, and bird-watching tips to catch a glimpse of this fascinating thrush in the wild or attract it to your backyard. 

Size and Feather 

The Varied Thrush is a medium-sized songbird (think American Robin) with a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. The male boasts a vibrant orange throat, breast and belly, which beautifully contrasts with his black crown and eye patches, back, and tail. The Varied Thrush's darker feathers are almost a dark bluish gray, but in most lights they read black. His face is adorned with bold orange streaks above his eyes. Both males and females have a darker band just below their throats that spans from shoulder to shoulder, with the male's band being darker to almost black and the females more muted, like a hint of darkness. Both males and female have orange and black elements on their wings. The female's plumage is more muted, featuring less severe black and more shades of brown and olive. 

Habitat and Behavior 

The Varied Thrush is a denizen of the temperate rainforests and coniferous woodlands of the Pacific Northwest, including parts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These birds prefer dense and moist habitats, often found near streams, rivers, and wetlands, where they forage for insects in the summer and berries and some seeds in winter. 

Varied Thrushes tend to remain hidden among the dense foliage, making them challenging to spot despite their vivid colors. They forage on the forest floor to uncover food. But you don't need to trek to the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park to catch a glimpse. Though that sounds amazing! In winter these birds will visit backyard feeders.

These birds are solitary during the breeding season, and pairs are generally territorial, but they may join mixed-species flocks during the non-breeding season for added protection and foraging benefits. 

Birdwatching Tips

While Varied Thrushes are generally more challenging to attract to backyard feeders compared to other birds, their allure lies in spotting them in their natural habitats. Here are some bird-watching tips to increase your chances of seeing them: 

1. Explore Forested Areas: Venture into coniferous and temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest during their breeding season to maximize your chances of spotting Varied Thrushes. 
2. Stay Quiet and Patient: Thrushes, like most birds, are wary and sensitive to noise. Move slowly and quietly to increase the likelihood of catching a glimpse of these elusive birds. 
3. Learn Their Song: Familiarize yourself with the song of the Varied Thrush. Males sing a single, almost buzzy note in a single pitch. Knowing their vocalizations will help you identify their presence even when they are hidden from view. 
4. Binoculars: Carry binoculars. From a distance and especially if your eyes are not what they used to be, these birds can, on quick glance, look like American Robins. 
5. Look for Varied Thrush at Your Feeders in Winter: Place your feeder in a protected area with lots of understory cover. At Bird Fluff's home base west of the Cascades in Oregon, we see them each year at the end of winter, rooting through the leaf litter under our feeders, and it is always a treat.

The Varied Thrush is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. While attracting them to your backyard might be challenging, exploring their preferred habitats and immersing yourself in nature will reward you with the joy of witnessing these striking birds. So, embrace the wonders of birdwatching, venture into the forest, and let the Varied Thrush's flashy and distinctive look leave an indelible mark on your birdwatching adventures. 

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