Hermit Thrush - Ross Feldner

Living up to its name, the Hermit Thrush is a secretive, shy member of the thrush family that prefers dense thickets and forest understory.

Once described as the finest sound in nature, the song of the Hermit Thrush has long captivated the human ear. For centuries, birdwatchers have compared it to human music – and it turns out they were on to something. The bird's song is beautifully described by the same math that underlies human harmonies. (Catherine Brahic, New Scientist, Nov. 2014)

The Hermit Thrush breeds in mixed woods in the northeastern and western U.S. and forages on the forest floor, as well as in trees or shrubs, mainly eating berries and insects. It employs a technique known as “foot quivering,” where it shakes its feet in the grass to stir up insects.

Hermit Thrushes adapt their diets according to the season. During spring, they eat mostly insects like flies, bees, wasps, and caterpillars, as well as the occasional small amphibian or reptile. During winter, they mainly dine on fruits, especially berries.

When east of the Rocky Mountains, Hermit Thrushes often nest on the ground while in the west, they usually nest in trees.