Catharus fuscescens
(Veery)

Physical Description:
6 1/2-7 3/4" (17-20 cm). Brown above and buff below with brown spotting on breast. Barely noticeable buff eye-ring. Immatures have spots on head and back.

Similar Species- Swainson's Thrush

Song:
Downward spiraling, coarse whistles: vee-ur vee-ur vee-ur veer.

Distribution:
Breeds from southern British Columbia, east across southern Canada to Newfoundland, and south to Oregon, Colorado, portions of Midwest, and southern Appalachians. Winters in northern South America. This species is rare south of the Snake River, except in the Henry's Lake and Driggs areas.

Habitat:
Found in cottonwood, alder, and other swampy forests, as well as aspen communities, especially in more open areas with shrubby understory. Also found in second growth, or willow or alder shrubbery near water. Results of an Idaho study indicated probability of finding Veeries present in cottonwood forest increased with patch size; and speices showed a preference for dogwood subcanopies. Numbers were significantly reduced in grazed areas and campgrounds compared to relatively undisturbed sites.

Diet:
Eats insects, other invertebrates, and (especially during migration) small fruits.

Ecology:
Forages on forest floor and trees, often near water. Builds cup-shaped nest (preferably on moist substrate) on ground or in shrub.

Reproduction:
Lays eggs in May or June. Female incubates 3-5 eggs (usually 4), for 11-12 days. Young are tended by both parents, and leave nest at 10-12 days.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABPBJ18080
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S5,NTMB
National Rank:	N5B

Important State References:
Saab, V.A. 1996. Influence of spatial scale and land management on habitat use by breeding birds in cottonwood forests of southeastern Idaho. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. Colorado, Boulder. 140pp.