The enchanting, spiraling notes of a Veery(Catharus fuscescens)’s liquid song recall long golden twilights in summer forests, shaded streams lined with ferns and wildflowers, and quiet woodland paths. A quick glimpse of this superlative singer reveals a plain, unassuming brown and white bird, a bit smaller than a Wood Thrush(Hylocichla mustelina).
The Veery is a species of thrush belonging to a group of talented songsters that includes the Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus), Swainson’s Thrush(Catharus ustulatus), Gray-Cheeked Thrush(Catharus minimus), and Bicknell’s Thrush(Catharus bicknelli). Their genus name, Catharus, derives from the Greek word katharos, which means “pure,” likely referring to the songs of this particularly tuneful group of birds.
The Veery’s lovely song had special meaning for a particularly important conservation champion. Who was it?
Read on to find out more: https://abcbirds.org/bird/veery/
American Bird Conservancy stands up for birds across the Americas. We halt bird extinctions, conserve vital habitats, eliminate key threats, and build the capacity of our partners.
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