# UKBirds

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## Veery

### Catharus fuscescens

The Veery, Catharus fuscescens, is a small thrush species. It is occasionally called Willow Thrush or Wilson's Thrush. It is a member of a close-knit group of migrant Catharus species, which also includes the cryptotaxa Grey-cheeked Thrush (C. minimus) and Bicknell's Thrush (C. bicknelli).
This species measures 16-19.5 cm (6.3-7.7 in) in length and body mass is typically in the range of 26-39 g (0.92-1.4 oz), exceptionally up to 54 g (1.9 oz). The wingspan averages 28.5 cm (11.2 in). Each wing measures 8.9-10.4 cm (3.5-4.1 in), the bill measures 1.2-1.9 cm (0.47-0.75 in) and the tarsus is 2.7-3.25 cm (1.1-1.28 in). The Veery has the white-dark-white underwing pattern characteristic of Catharus thrushes. Adults are mainly light brown on the upperparts. The underparts are white; the breast is lighter brown with dark spots. They have pink legs; their eye ring is indistinct. Birds in the east are more cinnamon on the upperparts; western birds are more olive-brown. In the east, the Veery is distinguished easily by its coloration whereas distinguishing western Veerys from other Catharus thrushes is more difficult.
This bird has a breezy downward-spiralling flute-like song, often heard from a low but concealed location. The most common call is a vee-er, which gave this bird its name.
Their breeding habitat is humid deciduous forest across southern Canada and the northern United States. These birds migrate to eastern South America. They are very rare vagrants to western Europe.
They forage on the forest floor, flipping leaves to uncover insects; they may fly up to catch insects in flight. They mainly eat insects and berries.
They make a cup nest on the ground or near the base of a shrub. This bird has been displaced in some parts of its range by the related Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). They also suffered occasionally from brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater).