Neotropical Migratory Birds that Benefit from Shade Grown Coffee

Here we profile some of the many species of migratory birds that make their homes in coffee growing lands of the Americas. Your purchase of Audubon coffee helps protect scarce habitat for birds like these.

The Wood Thrush: at a Glance

The Wood Thrush is loved particularly for its ethereal flute-like “ee-oo-lay…ah-ee-oo-lay” song. Sings mostly at dawn and dusk. This ground-dwelling bird could have been called the “Spotted Thrush,” because it is the most heavily marked of any of the thrushes.

The Wood Thrush is a common woodland breeding bird of the eastern forests. It migrates across the Gulf of Mexico to spend winters in southern Mexico and Central America. Spring migration is during April and May. Fall migration is from late August until mid-October. The Wood Thrush spends most of its time foraging on the forest floor, poking through leaf litter to find insects, grubs, and other invertebrates.

Look for a plump 7 ¾” robust thrush exploring the forest floor. Also look for a heavily spotted breast, streaked face, a prominent white eye ring, and a reddish brown to reddish olive back.

Check in again soon for next Species Profile!

Learn more about how shade-grown coffee helps birds and wildlife by visiting the Audubon At Home Shade-Grown Coffee page.