Last updated: August 12, 2024
Thing to Do
Varied Thrush
NPS photo.
Ixoreus naevius
These secretive birds rarely flaunt their flashy colors. Instead, they sing shyly from dense forests. Adult males have a light orange line over the eyes, blue-gray backs, and a burnt-orange throat and belly separated by a dark breast band but are heard much more often than seen. They have a distinctive song of a long, single whistle on one pitch; it can sometimes be mistaken for a human distress whistle.
These secretive birds rarely flaunt their flashy colors. Instead, they sing shyly from dense forests. Adult males have a light orange line over the eyes, blue-gray backs, and a burnt-orange throat and belly separated by a dark breast band but are heard much more often than seen. They have a distinctive song of a long, single whistle on one pitch; it can sometimes be mistaken for a human distress whistle.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Forests
The varied thrush can be seen or heard in dark, wet, mature forests across the Pacific Northwest. In Glacier, Avalanche and Fish Creek Campgrounds are perfect places to start your search.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.