Hermit Thrush

This quiet, reddish-tailed thrush forages on the forest floor, flicking its wings and slowly raising its tail on landing, a distinctive habit that helps separate it from similar thrushes. Its song, a series of clear, flute-like phrases each on a different pitch, is often called one of the most beautiful in North America and carries well through open coniferous and mixed forest at dawn and dusk. Breeding season in northern and montane forests, or winter in milder lowland and southern habitats, both offer good opportunities depending on location.