Ixoreus naevius
(Varied Thrush)

Physical Description:
9-10" (23-25 cm). Gray-black above with orange eyebrow and wing bars. Orange below with gray-black necklace and scaling on flanks. Female paler; immature has incomplete necklace.

Similar Species- American Robin

Song:
Two long eerie, quavering notes, second one higher than first after a long pause.

Distribution:
Breeds from portions of Alaska and western Canada, south to northwestern Montana, northern Idaho, Washington, most of Oregon, and extreme northwestern California. Winters from southern Alaska, southern British Columbia, and northern Idaho, south through Washington, Oregon and California to northern Baja California. Wanders widely in central and northeastern North America.

Habitat:
Found in humid, coastal and interior montane coniferous forests, deciduous forests with dense understory, and tall shrubs (especially alder). During migration and in winter, also found in open woodlands and chaparral. Northern Idaho study conducted in hemlock/grand fir forests found this species associated with older conifer stands.

Diet:
Eats insects, earthworms, seeds, and berries.

Ecology:
Builds nest in small conifer, usually against trunk. Feeds in trees or forages on ground.

clutch size varies from 2-5 eggs, but is usually 3-4. Incubation lasts about 14 days. Nestlings are altricial.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABPBJ22010
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S5
National Rank:	N5

Important State References:
Peterson, S.R. 1982. A preliminary survey of forest bird communities in northern Idaho. Northwest Sci. 56:287-298.