Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)

This is a rare to uncommon long-distance migrant to coastal Texas from wintering grounds in Northern South America to boreal forests across remote areas in Northern North America. Often confused with similar species, the Gray-cheeked may be identified by a combination of the lack of a distinctive eyering, rather cold gray-brown upperparts and variably heavy spotting on its chest as seen here. In general it lacks the buff tones of Swainson's Thrush and the reddish-brown upperparts of Veery. It is usually identified by eliminating similar species. Two subspecies are currently recognized. Birds migrating through Texas may be assumed to be the widespread "C. m. aliciae" which are slightly duller than the nominate race which breeds in Newfoundland. Note that Clements and Opus have the ranges of these two subspecies reversed.