Hermit Thrush

Description:

Small bird, about the size of yellow rumped warbler. Mostly brownish orange in color. Was spotted scurrying through the leaves much like an American Robin or Eastern towhee. Only seen this one the entire weekend we were at Falling Waters State Park, in Chipley Florida. Hermit Thrushes have a chunky shape similar to an American Robin, but smaller. They stand upright, often with the slender, straight bill slightly raised. Like other thrushes, the head is round and the tail fairly long. The Hermit Thrush is rich brown on the head and back, with a distinctly warm, reddish tail. The underparts are pale with distinct spots on the throat and smudged spots on the breast. With a close look you may see a thin pale eyering (not a bold one).

Habitat:

Was in the fallen leaves amongst many Longleaf pines and oaks. Hermit Thrushes hop and scrape in leaf litter while foraging. They perch low to the ground on fallen logs and shrubs, often wandering into open areas such as forest clearings or trails. Sometimes a Hermit Thrush will cock its tail and bob it slowly, while flicking its wings. Habitat Look for Hermit Thrushes in forest understories, especially around edges or openings. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/hermi...