Varied Thrush
A shy Pacific Northwest forest thrush that can visit winter gardens when they retain dense cover, fruit, and quiet ground space.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in dark conifer understory, ferny shrubs, dense parks, and winter gardens; listen for its clear, separated notes.
Food
Insects and other arthropods in summer, switching toward berries, seeds, nuts, and fruit in fall and winter.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Humid evergreen and mixed forest with dense understory for breeding; dense parks, gardens, and backyards in winter.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Varied Thrush habitat
Humid evergreen and mixed forest with dense understory for breeding; dense parks, gardens, and backyards in winter.
Varied Thrush diet and food
Insects and other arthropods in summer, switching toward berries, seeds, nuts, and fruit in fall and winter.
A modest ground feeder may be used in winter, but native fruiting shrubs and undisturbed cover are the better approach.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Insects and other arthropods in summer, switching toward berries, seeds, nuts, and fruit in fall and winter.
Cover & plants
Humid evergreen and mixed forest with dense understory for breeding; dense parks, gardens, and backyards in winter.
Varied Thrush nesting and breeding
Builds a tree nest in forest cover; retain dense understory and do not pressure a bird in a possible breeding territory.
Varied Thrush behavior and where to look
Forages on the ground or low in shrubs, often staying hidden and sometimes defending a small winter feeding area.
Photography
Wait quietly at the forest or shrub edge rather than entering dense cover to search for it.
What to avoid
Do not leave broad seed piles out, which can create conflict with other ground-feeding birds.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
