Thrushes (Turdidae)
Varied Thrush
Ixoreus naevius. Insects in summer; acorns and berries in winter.
Thrushes (Turdidae)Varied ThrushIxoreus naevius
- Scientific name
- Ixoreus naevius
- Length
- 7.9–10.2 in
- Weight
- 2.3–3.5 oz
- Nest
- Cup against conifer trunks
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 1–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 12 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Orange throat and eyebrow
- Black or grey breast band
- Orange wing bars on a slate back
Voice
Eerie, single buzzy whistle on one pitch.
Diet and feeding
Insects in summer; acorns and berries in winter.
What do varied thrushes eat? · Best feeder for varied thrushes
Varied Thrushs by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Alberta | Summer breeder | June–July |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | June–July |
| California | Winter visitor | — |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Montana | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Northwest Territories | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | May–July |
| Yukon | Summer breeder | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do varied thrushes eat?
Insects in summer; acorns and berries in winter. At feeders: millet, suet, fruit.
How big is a Varied Thrush?
7.9–10.2 in long and 2.3–3.5 oz.
Do varied thrushes use birdhouses?
No. Cup against conifer trunks.
Sources
- Varied Thrush — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Varied Thrush life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Varied Thrush — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.