Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
The Wood Thrush is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the autumn months, and is most likely to be spotted in the southern and western regions of the country. It is a North American species that occasionally wanders across the Atlantic, making it a highly sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Wood Thrush in the field.
The Wood Thrush can be identified by its brown back, white underside with black spots, and a distinctive white eye-ring, as well as its rounded head and short tail. Its overall appearance is quite distinctive, with a mix of earthy tones and striking markings.
The Wood Thrush is slightly smaller than a Song Thrush, but larger than a Robin, making it a medium-sized bird that is easily recognizable in the field.
The male Wood Thrush has a rich brown back, wings, and tail, with a white underside covered in black spots, and a white eye-ring that surrounds its dark eye, with little to no seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Wood Thrush is similar to the male, with the same overall pattern and colouration, although she may be slightly duller in tone, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on plumage alone.
The Wood Thrush has a distinctive, ethereal song that sounds like a series of whistled phrases, often described as a haunting, flute-like melody, while its call is a sharp, metallic "tick" sound.
The Wood Thrush is a ground-dwelling bird that forages for insects, fruits, and berries, often in dense undergrowth, and has a distinctive, deliberate gait, with a tendency to fly short distances when disturbed, revealing its rounded wings and short tail.
The Wood Thrush can be confused with other thrush species, such as the Song Thrush or the American Robin, but can be distinguished by its distinctive white eye-ring, spotted underside, and brown back, as well as its unique song and call.
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