Gallery Post 2
The Veery (Catharus fuscescens) is a secretive thrush known for its ethereal, spiraling song that seems to emanate from the depths of Vermont’s moist forests. This elusive bird is a summer resident in our state.
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Physical Description
- Warm brown upperparts
- Light brown underparts with faint spots
- Gray face and neck
- Pink legs
- Length: 6.3-7.5 inches
- Wingspan: 11.4-13.4 inches
“The Veery’s song is a descending spiral of notes that seems to echo through the forest like a magical incantation. It’s one of nature’s most enchanting sounds.” - Vermont Bird Observatory
Habitat and Distribution
Veeries prefer:
- Moist deciduous forests
- Areas near streams and wetlands
- Dense understory vegetation
- Mixed coniferous-deciduous forests
Diet and Foraging
Their diet consists primarily of:
- Insects and spiders
- Earthworms
- Berries and fruits
- Small invertebrates
Breeding and Nesting
Key aspects of their breeding behavior:
- Build cup-shaped nests on the ground
- Lay 3-5 eggs per clutch
- Both parents incubate eggs
- Nestlings fledge in about 10-12 days
Migration and Conservation
Important aspects of their life cycle:
- Winter in South America
- Face habitat loss in both breeding and wintering grounds
- Sensitive to forest fragmentation
- Climate change affecting migration timing
“The Veery’s presence in our forests is a sign of a healthy, intact ecosystem. Their declining numbers in some areas serve as a warning about the impacts of habitat loss and climate change.” - Vermont Conservation Biology Institute
