Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post #37 (Species 58/100)

Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Hermit Thrush – Catharus guttatus
Name Roots: (Gr. catharos, “pure” – L. gutta, “a drop”)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Hermit Thrush is a small bird with a rich brown upper body and smudged spots on the breast. It has a reddish tail that sets it apart from similar species in its genus. The underparts are white with dark spots on the breast and grey or brownish flanks. They have pink legs and a white eye ring.

One interesting fact about the Hermit Thrush is that it is more cold-tolerant than other Catharus thrushes, and it is the only species to regularly winter in large parts of the U.S. Hermit Thrushes can be very inconspicuous in winter, but a patient birder might locate one by finding berry trees in the woods or maybe even in your own backyard.

DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

The Hermit Thrush is a Fairly Common Winter Visitor in the Central Valley and can be found in almost any area with dense shrubs.