Swainson’s Thrushes In South Texas

Catharus ustulatus

The Swainson’s Thrush is also called Olive-Backed Thrush. They breed in coniferous woods with dense undergrowth across Canada, Alaska and the northern United States, also deciduous wooded areas on the Pacific coast of North America. These birds spend winters in Mexico, Central and South America.

Thrushes in the genus catharus are more difficult to distinguish than some other genuses. This is  especially true of the Hermit, Gray-Cheeked and the Swainson’s Thrushes. If seen in the shadows, where these birds often are, the subtle variations are hard to pick up.

During migration is the only time these birds show up in Texas. To view the birds I met in Canada’s British Columbia and Yukon Territories, look <HERE>.