The varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is a striking bird known for its vibrant orange and black plumage. In the Silicon Valley area, this thrush is a winter visitor typically found in dense forests. These birds occasionally make appearances in urban and suburban settings, especially during the cooler months.
Identifying the varied thrush
The varied thrush is about the size of an American robin. Male have bright orange underparts and a bold black band across their chest. Their wings feature distinctive orange and black bars, making them unmistakable even from a distance. Females and juveniles have similar patterns, though their colors are often more muted.
One of the bird’s most recognizable features is its call. The varied thrush produces a series of long, single-pitched whistles, each lasting several seconds and spaced apart, creating an almost otherworldly echo in quiet woodlands.
When and where to find varied thrushes in Silicon Valley
Varied thrushes are most likely to be seen in Silicon Valley during the winter months, particularly from November to March. During this time, they migrate to lower elevations from their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest.
The varied thrush is drawn to regions with abundant leaf litter, where it forages for insects, seeds, and berries. In backyards and parks, the bird can sometimes be spotted near water features or under dense shrubbery, searching for food or visiting bird feeders.
In Silicon Valley, the varied thrush tends to frequent areas with a mix of mature trees and understory vegetation. Here are some of the best spots to catch a glimpse of these birds:
- Sanborn County Park: The John Nicholas Trail in Sanborn County Park features a mixed use trail that winds through oak, redwood, fir and pine trees where the varied thrush is a known winter visitor.
- Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve: varied thrush have been spotted along the upper portion of this open space preserve in the understory of the second growth redwood forest located in the Santa Cruz mountains.
