Above: Male Varied Thrush (right) and American Robin on a rainy day at Courtenay, BC, 6 December 2024; by Peter Taylor.
How do I recognize it?
A Varied Thrush is about the size of an American Robin but with a slightly shorter tail, heavier build, and thinner beak. Overall coloration is also robin-like but embellished with a dark breast-band, multiple orange wing stripes, and a pale orange eyebrow. Adult males are more brightly and contrastingly coloured than the browner females and immature males. The bird’s name seems to apply equally well to its variegated plumage and the varied pitch of its strange, buzzy song.
Above: This adult male Varied Thrush at Courtenay, BC, 2 March 2024, showed off all its field marks for the camera; by Peter Taylor.
Does it migrate?
The Varied Thrush is both an altitudinal and short-to-medium-distance migrant. It breeds from northern California to Alaska and Yukon, and winters from coastal and southern parts of the breeding range to northwestern Mexico. Small numbers wander east as far as the Atlantic Coast, and a few are observed in Manitoba each year, mostly in fall and early winter.
Above: Female or immature male Varied Thrush at Delta, Manitoba, 22 April 2017; by Garry Budyk.
Where does it live?
The preferred summer habitat is dense, moist, mature coniferous forest. In winter, a wider variety of wooded habitats is used. Wintering birds in Manitoba are typically found near human habitation, whether in cities, smaller towns, or all-season cottage communities. Some may survive with a combination of well-stocked bird feeders, fruit trees, and relatively mild conditions; more often than not, however, they won’t make it through a January cold snap.
Above: A supply of crab apples helped this female or immature male Varied Thrush to overwinter at Winnipeg (here, 14 March 2006); by Christian Artuso.
Where can I see it?
Migrating Varied Thrushes often associate with American Robins, so it is worth checking any robin flock in late fall. Keep an eye on fruit trees such as crab apple and mountain ash. In winter, watch out at any busy bird feeders in your neighbourhood. The chance of finding a Varied Thrush on your own is small but finite; the odds improve greatly if you follow online bird discussion groups for tips on recent sightings.
Above: This male Varied Thrush at Pinawa, Manitoba was struggling to survive a cold snap around Christmas, 2019; by Linda Huisman
Conservation Status:
In part because of their preference for mature and old-growth coniferous forest, Varied Thrush numbers declined by an estimated 32% between 1966 and 2019. As ground foragers, often in residential areas, they are also vulnerable in winter to cats and window collisions. Nevertheless, the Varied Thrush remains a species of Least Concern, given its continuing large numbers and extensive range.
Above: This male Varied Thrush was still going strong at Charleswood, Winnipeg on 22 February 2023; by Garry Budyk.
Did you know:
The Varied Thrush is currently the only species in the genus Ixoreus, and is thus distinct from the diverse genus Turdus, which includes the American Robin and over 100 other thrushes worldwide.
Written by Peter Taylor