: Breeds. early Jun-early Sep in mature spruce/fir woods such as those found along the coastline of eastern MDI, at Schoodic Point, and along the slopes of Western Mountain. Harder to detect after singing ceases in late Jul.
Migration: mid May with a late May peak and from late Apr, and again mid Sept-mid Oct with a late Sep/early Oct peak and to early Nov. Whistled ‘Heep' Calls often heard overhead on nights with active migration.
Miscellany: The wheezy, rising flutelike ‘advertizing' song of the males is a lovely vocalization that emanates from our spruce/fir woodlands mostly after mid June and primarily in the early morning and at dusk. Listen to songs and calls here.
You can learn more about Swainson's Thrush, and listen to calls and see images here.
Last Reviewed: August 5th, 2026