Varied Thrush: Making a bold statement

Globally, the thrush family contains 169 viable species; three other thrush species are now extinct.

- BRUCE MCCAMMON

Eight of the 169 species are commonly seen in north central Washington (American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, Townsend’sSolitaire, Veery, and this month’s featured bird, the Varied Thrush).

Thrushes are medium-sized birds that typically inhabit densely wooded areas.

The American Robin may be the most recognized thrush in our area but the Varied Thrush makes a bold statement when seen.

The rust-colored belly and throat of the Varied Thrush are eye-catching. The male has a slaty gray back, a black breastband, and a black mask across the eye. The female shows a lighter, grayish band and eye stripe.

Wings of the Varied Thrush are strongly patterned with rust-colored bars on a black background. The flanks of these birds show a fairly strong, dappled pattern.