Vermont State Bird: Hermit Thrush
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Vermont State Bird – Hermit Thrush
Vermont adopted the Hermit Thrush as its official state bird on June 1, 1941. This small brown thrush has a reddish tail. It lives in Vermont's forests from April through October before migrating south. The species appears in all 14 counties. Its flute-like song impressed legislators. Some lawmakers preferred year-round residents. The legislature chose the thrush despite migration concerns. No other state shares this bird.
Why Vermont Chose This Bird
The Vermont Federated Women's Clubs selected the Hermit Thrush in 1927 and advocated for legislative recognition. Some legislators preferred year-round residents like blue jays or crows. The thrush migrated south each winter, which concerned critics. Supporters noted the species appeared in all 14 counties during breeding season. Its distinctive song quality also impressed voters.
Males sang from April through August in forests statewide. The flute-like call carried through woodland counties. Legislators recognized this widespread appeal across Vermont. Debate continued for 14 years. The legislature finally designated the Hermit Thrush as state bird in 1941.
Legislative History
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Women's Club Campaign
The Vermont Federated Women's Clubs adopted the Hermit Thrush in 1927. Similar efforts occurred in other states during this period. Women's organizations shaped many state symbol selections. Vermont's clubs promoted the bird through educational programs and public advocacy.
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Legislative Adoption
The legislature passed the designation on June 1, 1941. Effective date matched the passage date. The 14-year gap between club selection and official status reflected ongoing debate about migratory patterns versus year-round residence requirements for state birds.
What This Bird Represents
Natural Heritage
The thrush connects to Vermont's forest identity. Mixed woodlands and coniferous forests cover much of the state. This bird's habitat preferences mirror Vermont's landscape. Populations remain stable due to mature forest protection. The species tolerates some disturbance while requiring forest interior conditions.
Musical Tradition
Poets celebrate the Hermit Thrush's song. The nickname American nightingale reflects vocal quality. Each song starts on different keys, creating variety. Spring arrivals in April bring the first woodland bird songs after winter silence. Residents associate the call with seasonal change.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Proportions
Adults measure 6 to 7 inches long. Wingspan reaches 11.5 inches. Weight ranges from 0.8 to 1.3 ounces. The body appears slightly stocky with a rounded head. Males and females look identical. Eastern bluebirds share similar length measurements.
Plumage Details
Brown upperparts cover the head and back. The reddish tail provides field identification. Light-colored underparts feature dark spots concentrated on the breast. A thin white line rims each eye. Bill base and legs show pinkish hues. The dark bill contrasts with its lighter base.
Behavior and Song
Vocal Characteristics
The flute-like song ranks among North America's most beautiful bird calls. Males sing from perches during breeding season. Each phrase starts on a different key, preventing monotony. The bird also produces a 'tchup' sound. Spring arrivals begin singing in April. Vocal activity continues through August.
Distinctive Habits
Tail flicking separates this species from other thrushes. Landing birds raise and lower tails quickly. Wing flicking occurs while perched. Ground foraging involves hopping with lowered breast position. Bills turn over leaves to expose insects. Short flights occur low over the ground.
Habitat and Range
Vermont Distribution
Forest interiors with nearby openings provide preferred habitat. Ponds or meadows adjacent to woodlands attract breeding pairs. Young to mature mixed woodlands support nesting. Moist coniferous forests also work. The species appears in all 14 Vermont counties from April through October. Males return first in spring to establish territories.
Migration Patterns
Birds leave Vermont in mid-October. Winter range extends from Pennsylvania southward. Dense woody plant cover characterizes wintering areas. Berry-producing vegetation provides food. Return migration makes the Hermit Thrush one of the first woodland birds back in April. Rare individuals attempt Vermont winters near feeders.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding Season Food
Insects and small invertebrates dominate spring through early fall diet. Beetles, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets provide protein. Earthworms and snails supplement insect prey. Salamanders occasionally appear in the diet. Ground foraging accounts for most feeding activity.
Migration and Winter Diet
Fruit consumption increases during fall migration. Raspberries, pokeberries, serviceberries, grapes, and elderberries fuel southward travel. Late fall diet shifts almost entirely to fruit. Winter habitat selection depends on berry-producing vegetation availability. This dietary flexibility supports migration success.
Reproduction
Courtship and Nesting
Males arrive before females to claim territory. Initial male hostility lasts three to four days. Courtship flights involve circular chasing patterns. Females build cup nests on the ground or in small trees. Nest materials include mud, twigs, bark strips, and ferns with soft lining. Locations remain well-hidden from predators.
Egg and Chick Development
Females lay three to five pale blue eggs. Incubation lasts 12 days. Males feed incubating females and guard nests from perches. Chicks hatch naked with closed eyes. Eyes open at three to four days. Feathers appear at seven days. Fledging occurs at 12 days old. Nesting season runs mid-May through mid-August.
Conservation Status
Population Trends
Bird surveys indicate stable or increasing populations. Estimated 72 million mature individuals exist across the range. The species tolerates some disturbance. Large mature forest preferences align with Vermont's forest management. Distribution from Alaska to Guatemala provides extensive range.
Attracting to Yards
Berry bushes provide foraging opportunities. Platform feeders can offer raisins, grapes, and suet. Wet areas or brush piles encourage earthworms and invertebrates. These features support thrush presence in residential settings. Habitat modifications work best near existing forest edges.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 5
The Hermit Thrush is one of the first woodland birds to return to Vermont each spring, typically arriving in April when many species remain in southern regions
Hermit Thrush Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Hermit Thrush. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official state wildlife agency information on habitat, behavior, and conservation status • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive species identification guide with photos, range maps, and behavior information • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Detailed scientific information on physical characteristics, habitat, and breeding behavior • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Vermont-specific research and observations on the state bird • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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