The Varied Thrush is a striking and distinctive bird that is a common resident and winter visitor in Oregon, particularly in the humid, coniferous forests. They are often described as looking like an "artistic robin" due to their similar size and shape, but with a much more elaborate and beautiful plumage pattern.

One of the great things about Varied Thrushes is that males and females are generally distinguishable by their plumage, though the difference can be subtle in some individuals.

General Characteristics (Both Sexes):
Size and Shape: They are stocky, robin-sized thrushes with a round head, straight bill, and relatively long legs. They often stand horizontally on the ground or in trees and can appear somewhat plump-bellied with a relatively short tail.
Behavior: Varied Thrushes typically forage on the ground, hopping through leaf litter for insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. In fall and winter, they also consume a lot of berries and fruit. They are generally shy and often quite cryptic, blending into the dappled light of the forest floor, though they can become bolder in suburban areas during winter.
Vocalization: Their song is truly unique and haunting – a series of long, single, whistled notes, often with a tremulous or buzzy quality, each note given at a different pitch. It has an ethereal, melancholic sound that carries well through the quiet forest. They also have a soft "chup" call.
Habitat: In Oregon, they breed in the dark understories of humid evergreen and mixed forests along the Pacific Coast and into the Cascades. In winter, many move to lower elevations, including dense parks, gardens, and backyards.

Distinguishing Male and Female Varied Thrushes:
The key to telling male and female Varied Thrushes apart lies in the intensity and contrast of their plumage colors, particularly the blue-gray and orange/rufous, and the prominence of their breast band.

Adult Male:
Upperparts: Striking dark blue-gray on the head, back, and upper wings.
Underparts: Rich, deep burnt-orange on the breast, belly, and flanks.
Breast Band: A prominent, distinct sooty-black breast band (often described as a "necklace" or "chevron") that crosses the upper breast.
Face and Head: A dark face with a bold orange stripe over the eye (supercilium).
Wings: Blackish wings with two prominent orange wingbars and orange edging to the flight feathers. These wing markings are quite striking.
Overall Impression: Bold, vibrant, and highly contrasting plumage.

Adult Female:
Overall Plumage: Females have the same basic pattern as males, but their colors are significantly duller and more muted.
Upperparts: The blue-gray on the back and head is replaced by a paler, more brownish-gray or olive-gray.
Underparts: The burnt orange is a paler, more washed-out orange or a buffy-orange.
Breast Band: The breast band is fainter, duller, and often less sharply defined, appearing more grayish or brownish-black rather than deep sooty-black.
Face and Head: The orange stripe over the eye is less distinct, often a duller orange or buffy.
Wings: The orange wingbars and edging are present but are less bright and prominent than on the male.
Overall Impression: A "washed-out" or "diluted" version of the male's plumage.

Juvenile Varied Thrushes:
Juveniles look similar to females/immatures but often have a paler eyebrow and a dingy grayish breast with some spotting, which fades as they mature.