Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

Breeds across Alaska, Canada, and the no… Moist coniferous and mixed forests with… common Ascending Flute-like Song

Learn to identify the Swainson's Thrush by ear. Master the "melodious flute-like, spiraling upward" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“whoo-eeh, hwee, hwEE, hWEE, HWEE!”

What the Swainson's Thrush sounds like

Swainson's Thrush is a slender, olive-brown songbird celebrated for its ethereal, upward-spiraling song that echoes through North American conifer and mixed forests. A member of the Catharus thrushes, it migrates astonishing distances between boreal breeding grounds and Neotropical wintering areas.

“melodious flute-like, spiraling upward”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of ethereal, upward-spiraling whistled phrases that seem to disappear into the treetops; most often given at dawn and dusk. Often written as “whoo-eeh, hwee, hwEE, hWEE, HWEE!”.

Don't confuse with:The Hermit Thrush — hermit has rufous tail contrasting with brown back

Lessons featuring the Swainson's Thrush

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Swainson's Thrush's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Where you'll hear it

Moist coniferous and mixed forests with dense understory, especially along streams and edges; during migration it frequents thickets, parks, and riparian corridors.

Long-distance nocturnal migrant. Arrives on breeding grounds April–June, departs August–September. Peaks at night over U.S. Gulf Coast in spring and along Atlantic Coast in fall.

Similar species

Hermit Thrush

Hermit has rufous tail contrasting with brown back

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Gray-cheeked lacks buffy eye ring and lores

Veery

Veery’s spots are faint and restricted to upper breast

Swainson's Thrush song FAQ

What does a Swainson's Thrush sound like?

A series of ethereal, upward-spiraling whistled phrases that seem to disappear into the treetops; most often given at dawn and dusk. Listen for the "melodious flute-like, spiraling upward" phrase.

How do I tell a Swainson's Thrush from a Hermit Thrush by sound?

Hermit Thrush: Hermit has rufous tail contrasting with brown back; Bolder breast spots forming chevrons; Gives distinctive seeping call, rises in tail when perched.

When is the best time to hear a Swainson's Thrush?

Long-distance nocturnal migrant. Arrives on breeding grounds April–June, departs August–September. Peaks at night over U.S. Gulf Coast in spring and along Atlantic Coast in fall.