Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)

Visiting our backyard from breeding areas in the Pacific Northwest, this is a migrant and winter visitor to our area. Usually shy and furtive, they prefer deep shade. Note the contrasting russet colored tail and rump which help identify this species. The gray flanks, are a feature of the "western lowland group" of subspecies while the heavier, blacker breast spotting suggest "C. g. vaccinius." The trace of buff tips to the outermost greater coverts indicate an immature (formative plumage)..