HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) HETH Sample size: 329 |
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The extensive breeding range of this widespread, ground-nesting thrush includes the entire northern hardwood forest, as well as most boreal and montane coniferous forest north of Mexico [Jones and Donovan 1996 (BNA)]. In New Hampshire, Holmes and Robinson [1988] report nesting in drier forests with relatively little understory, while in Vermont, mid-successional forest with high canopy cover is preferred [Noon 1981]. Hermit Thrush winters from Washington state and extreme southern New England, south to south Mexico and Guatemala, but is generally absent from the Caribbean Islands and south Florida. The U.S. winter habitat is usually moist with a dense cover of woody growth [Aldrich 1968]; little known in Mexico, but reported in wooded small valleys and near forest streams and park lawns [Cramp 1988]. The Hermit Thrush is mainly a terrestrial or bush layer omnivore. On the breeding grounds, the major food items are small invertebrates, supplemented by fruits on migration and in winter [Jones and Donovan 1996 (BNA)].
A generally short-distance nocturnal migrant which does not cross the Gulf of Mexico. Some birds may be found in southern coastal New England at any time of year. In Massachusetts, peak numbers of spring migrants are recorded in the second and third weeks of April [Veit and Petersen 1993]. The longer fall migration spans a period from mid-August to mid-November, and migrants are generally found in forests, forest edge and second-growth woodlands with thick cover [Jones and Donovan 1996 (BNA)].
Breeding Bird Survey trends for 1966-1991 show stable or significantly increasing populations for New England. Factors identified in population regulation include predation of the ground nests [Bent 1949] and mortality due to severe winter weather [Laughlin and Kibbe 1985]. Forest habitat for Hermit Thrushes may be degraded by fire, clearcut lumbering or some selective logging practices [see refs. in P.18, Jones and Donovan 1996 (BNA)].
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Observations
Throughout all five periods, this early migrant showed a clear preference for C sites away from the Connecticut River and its major tributaries (A and B sites). Densities were generally higher in MA, NH and VT; significantly lower in CT where there were many fewer Hermit Thrushes.
The early migration was documented by a high density from periods 1 to 3, generally declining in periods 4 and 5 as birds presumably moved to preferred breeding sites. During the breeding season, Hermit Thrushes are found in upland sites that are either coniferous, or coniferous/deciduous mixed forest. |
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HETH Map
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