(Ixoreus naevius). Patient Number 20-1983.

Date of admission: October 20th, 2020.
Reason for admission: Caught by cat.

Patient History:
The Varied Thrush is the only species belonging to the genus; Ixoreus. They typically do most of their foraging on the ground, feeding on insects during their summer breeding months and switching to berries and seeds in their winter diets. In the summers, they are frequently found as far north as the Yukon and Alaska and migrate southwards to California for the colder months of the year.

The males are known for their brightly coloured orange chest and eyebrows as well as their wing markings, and black breast band. Females possess the same beautiful colours but have a duller pattern. Both parents care for the young and can have up to two broods per year with 2-5 nestlings in each. 

This Varied Thrush was rescued and brought to AIWC for care after it was suspected he had been caught by a cat. He suffered from a keel fracture (extension of the breastbone) and was missing some tail feathers which required several weeks of rest.

Once he had recovered, the species had already migrated from Alberta so he will be overwintering with us while preparing for release in spring 2021. Thank you for helping us to keep him forever wild!