Hermit Thrushs in New Mexico
When hermit thrushes are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect hermit thrushes in New Mexico
In New Mexico, hermit thrushes are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Native New Mexico plants that attract hermit thrushes
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover hermit thrushes use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Feeding hermit thrushes through the New Mexico year
- Top foods: Raisins, Mealworms.
- In New Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for hermit thrushes · Best feeder for hermit thrushes
Frequently asked
Are hermit thrushes in New Mexico year-round?
No. Hermit Thrushs are winter visitors in New Mexico and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract hermit thrushes in New Mexico?
Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Rocky Mountain juniper are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for hermit thrushes.
Hermit Thrushs in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
Sources
- Hermit Thrush — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hermit Thrush life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Hermit Thrush — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.