Thrushes and allies form the passerine bird family Turdidae. The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) recognizes 175 species of thrushes. The remaining ones are split among 15 different genera, with the remaining 88 belonging to the genus Turdus. This list includes three extinct species that are marked (X). [1].
This list can be sorted alphabetically by common name and binomial in addition to being presented in accordance with the IOC taxonomic sequence.
References to Other Bird Sites:
These are links to websites related to the various North American birding societies, institutions, and organizations. Some of these same websites are very helpful for learning about birds in different parts of the world. These links all provide the user with various ways to identify birds based on their appearance, habitat, region, or even color. Included is information about potential bird sighting locations and species.
Hinterland Whos Who Welcome to the Web site for Hinterland Whos Who It all started in 1963, with black-and-white vignettes about the loon, the moose, the gannet and the beaver. For more than 50 years, Hinterland Who’s Who has proudly been bringing Canada’s iconic wildlife directly into Canadians’ homes. Re-launched in 2003, the new series serves to rebuild the connection thousands of viewers made with wildlife through the original series. Welcome to our new website! Have a look around, and learn how you can help ensure that the wildlife remains part of what it means to be Canadian.
Avibase – the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA – American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the “Big Year”. It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
The following explanation is derived from the AOS Home Page.
AOS – The American Ornitholgy Society is an international society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of birds, enriching ornithology as a profession, and promoting a rigorous scientific basis for the conservation of birds. As one of the worlds oldest and largest ornithological societies, AOS produces scientific publications of the highest quality, hosts intellectually engaging and professionally vital meetings, serves ornithologists at every career stage, pursues a global perspective, and informs public policy on all issues important to ornithology and ornithological collections. AOS is distinguished by its tremendous collective expertise, including eminent scientists, conservation practitioners, early career innovators, and students.
ABC – American Bird Conservancy This is an organization started in Europe and is now formed in North America in the 1990s. It bases its goal on four approaches, Halt extinctions, Protect habitat, Eliminate threats and to Build capacity. One of their ways of achieving these goals, is by purchasing and leasing lands around already protected lands and creating larger safe zones for all its habitants.
eBird – TheCornellLab of Ornithology eBird is a must for any individual, who has an interest in birds. This site allows users to sign up and participate in recording birds seen on a daily basis as well as the location, for any bird species seen in the world. In addition, users can use the existing data to search out the location of bird species throughout the year. By using filters, information as to the movements can be determined. Photos can be added to identify individual birds. Migration pattern can be calculated using information by months or years as needed. Range maps can be verified, allowing the users to see where the presence of individual bird species are expected to be at certain times of the year.
NA – National Geographic The Society of National Geographic provides some of the best books available for those who have an interest in birds. The book called “The Complete Birds of North America”, is a book recommended to be part of any birders library. This book covers all the native and vagrant species of birds seen on the North American Continent. It provides information on all the birds listed on the ABA bird list. This book goes into great details, describing the individual species and their races. That aside, their website provides wonderful information pertaining to many articles regarding nature.
NAC – National Audubon Society The National Audubon Society is the oldest organization in North America. It was initially formed for the preservation of egrets and herons as well as waders, who were being hunted and killed, so their feathers could be used in the clothing industry. Today, there are many chapters of the NAS all over the continent and all individual groups have a common goal, to educate the public. In doing so, creating awareness of the birds and their plights. They were the driving force in promoting the original international laws, protecting migratory birds. Today, their website has made information available on articles, s and sounds, relating to all the native birds seen in North America.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. Throughout the years, I have utilized each of them in one way or another in my effort to better recognize and comprehend our lovely feathered friends.
Catharus, Hylocichla, Ixoreus, Ridgwayia
There are eight different species of thrushes that can be found in North America, including both native and migrant species. Other bird species that belong to the thrush family, such as fieldfare, robins, bluebirds, Veery, and Solitaire, are not included in this. Although they are rarely seen, thrushes typically favor dense, moist forest areas where their lovely melodies can be heard. Thrushes are long-distance flyers that migrate during the colder months from North America to South America. The Hermit Thrush and Swainsons Thrush have a broad distribution range, while the Bicknells Thrush is restricted to a small area. It is known to favor the higher elevation of the eastern mountains in the Maritime provinces of Canada and the northeastern states of the USA. The eastern states and the southeast of Canada are home to the Wood Thrush. Next, we have the two most northern species: the Varied Thrush, which ranges from Alaska into the southern Rockies, and the Gray-cheeked Thrush, which is found throughout northern Canada. Vagrants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands, the Aztec and Red-legged Thrushes are occasionally spotted in the southern parts of the United States of America. To view images of the Thrushes seen in North America, click on the bird’s name or image.
FAQ
How many thrush species are there?
What birds are part of the thrush family?
What is the difference between a thrasher and a thrush?