This is the only spotted thrush that winters in North America. Many subspecies occur, but all plumages show a reddish tail that contrasts with the rest of the upperparts, a thin white eye ring, a short pale line above the lores, and large oval blackish spots on the white breast. Northern and eastern birds are warm brown above with buffy flanks. Birds of the interior west are much grayer above, with gray-brown flanks. Pacific Coast birds are a darker olive-gray-brown with olive-gray flanks.

Length: 17 (cm) Wingspan: 29 (cm)

Voice:

Song consists of a long flutey introductory note, followed by a swirling series of notes that descend in pitch. Call note a distinctive chup.

Habitat:

Found in a wide variety of forest and edge habitats.

Behavior:

This species habit of quickly raising, then slowly lowering its tail is distinctive.

Feeding:

Forages for insects and fruit, usually close to the ground.