Gray-cheeked thrush

Catharus minimus

The gray-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus) is a medium-sized thrush.

Family: Turdidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Gray-cheeked thrush

The gray-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus) is a medium-sized thrush. This species is 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length, and has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes. It is a member of a close-knit group of migrant species together with the veery and Bicknell's thrush; it forms a cryptic species pair with the latter. The gray-cheeked thrush is all but indistinguishable from Bicknell's thrush except by its slightly larger size and different song. The two were formerly considered conspecific. Of all the American spotted thrushes, the gray-cheeked has the most northern breeding range.

Fun Facts About Gray-cheeked thrush

This species is 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length, and has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes.
The gray-cheeked thrush is all but indistinguishable from Bicknell's thrush except by its slightly larger size and different song.
Of all the American spotted thrushes, the gray-cheeked has the most northern breeding range.
It is a member of a close-knit group of migrant species together with the veery and Bicknell's thrush; it forms a cryptic species pair with the latter.

Conservation Status

The Gray-cheeked thrush is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Turdidae
Genus	Catharus
Species	Catharus minimus

Range & Habitat