Swainson's Thrush

Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) is in the Thrushes family (Turdidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 21,011 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Swainson's Thrush: observations by month (U.S.)

About Swainson's Thrush

Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus), also called olive-backed thrush, is a medium-sized thrush. It is a member of Catharus genus and is typical of it in terms of its subdued coloration and beautiful voice. Swainson's thrush was named after William Swainson, an English ornithologist.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Swainson's Thrush by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Thrushes)

American RobinTurdus migratorius

Eastern BluebirdSialia sialis

Western BluebirdSialia mexicana

Hermit ThrushCatharus guttatus

Mountain BluebirdSialia currucoides

Wood ThrushHylocichla mustelina

Varied ThrushIxoreus naevius

Townsend's SolitaireMyadestes townsendi

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ