Hermit Thrush (New York, United States, 9 May 2020).
4 Compared to Swainson’s, Hermit Thrush is greyer, more Grey- cheeked in tone above and has a thin, complete eyering that often doesn’t appear to connect to the lores. The characteristic (and diagnostic) warm foxy uppertail coverts and tail are evident here, but be aware some individuals can be dull and show little contrast. One useful feature is the presence of the pale bronzy panel at the base of the primaries, whereas other Catharus thrushes show more uniform wings. The breast spotting on this individual is contrasting and well-marked but made up of smaller spots that fade out onto the lower belly, leaving clean greyish flanks.