By Bob Wilson, CSP volunteer
Portland is blessed with several species of thrush, from the (very) common American Robin to the (very) occasional Townsend’s Solitaire. There are thrushes around all year, but—robins aside—the two most likely to be seen in winter are the Hermit Thrush and the Varied Thrush. Both are mountain breeders who spend time in the Valley during the winter, and they are present—if a little hard to spot—along Crystal Springs Creek all season.
Portland is blessed with several species of thrush, from the (very) common American Robin to the (very) occasional Townsend’s Solitaire. There are thrushes around all year, but—robins aside—the two most likely to be seen in winter are the Hermit Thrush and the Varied Thrush. Both are mountain breeders who spend time in the Valley during the winter, and they are present—if a little hard to spot—along Crystal Springs Creek all season.
Hermit thrushes are “typical” thrushes, featuring the characteristic spotted breast and gray brown back. Although their overall plumage is undistinguished, they do sport a distinctive rusty tail, making them perhaps the easiest to identify of their look-alike relatives. Their true glory, however, is their sweet, clear, fluty song which, sadly is rarely heard on their wintering grounds.
If the Hermit Thrush is on the plain side, the Varied Thrush is a stunner. All charcoal and orange with a natty black breast band, this guy evokes Hallowe’en—which is about the time he returns to Portland. While the Varied Thrush is probably more common along the creek, he isn’t much easier to catch sight of than his cousin, as both birds are shy skulkers requiring a sharp eye and a bit of luck to spot. Varied Thrushes provide some help in late winter when they begin to produce their eerie song—a long, one-note whistle, repeated on random pitches—which helps to call attention to their hidden presence.
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