Thrushes - Merles et grives

Thrushes have almost worldwide distribution. Thirteen species are regularly seen in Canada.

Thrushes are usually solitary or in pairs, although they flock readily during the nonbreeding season and during migrations.

The plumage of thrushes can be very glossy in some species. Combinations of browns, greys, olives, black, white, chestnut and blue are often blended or contrasted in adults. Males are often more brightly coloured than females. The bill varies in length but is usually short, straight and slender; it may curve downward at the tip and have a small notch on the mandible.

Thrushes, with their extremely varied voices and highly developed songs, are considered by many to be the best singers among birds. The hermit thrush is judged by some to have the most melodious song of all Canadian birds.

Insects and other small invertebrates are their main food, but small fruits and berries are eaten in season.

Did you know ??

A hermit thrush has a particularly interesting hunting method that involves shaking feet! This “foot quivering” is when the birds shake grass with their feet to get insects