The Veery

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.

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