Bicknell's Thrush

Bicknell's Thrush

About the photographs

About the map

Play sound from this species

Menu

1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

Only recently considered a separate species from the Gray-cheeked Thrush, the Bicknell's Thrush has one of the most restricted breeding and wintering ranges of any North American bird.

Description

• Medium-sized thrush.
• Upperparts brownish gray.
• Tail chestnut, contrasting with wings and back.
• Plain gray face with some light streaks but no eyering.

• Size: 16-17 cm (6-7 in)
• Weight: 26-30 g (0.92-1.06 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes alike.

Sound

Complex song of burry flute-like notes, usually ending on a upslur. Nocturnal flight note a one-or two-note "whe-eer" dropping in pitch.

Conservation Status

Population data are difficult to gather, but because of the small range and restricted habitat, it is considered a high conservation priority. Listed on the Audubon Watchlist.

Other Names

Grive de Bicknell (French)
Zorzal migratorio, Tordo de Bicknell (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Bicknell's Thrush has an unusual mating system. Both males and females mate with different partners. Each nest has young from different males, and males may have young in several nests. More than one male feeds at most nests.

• Males do not hold strict territories, and several different males may sing from the same area within one hour.

Sources used to construct this page:

Rimmer, C. C., K. P. McFarland, W. G. Ellison, and J. E Goetz. Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli). In The Birds of North America, No. 592 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.