The Wood Thrush is found in woodlots in southern Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The Breeding Bird Survey suggests a large decrease in numbers since about 1970. Somewhat of a flagship species for declining neotropical migrants, the Wood Thrush has become one of the better-studied passerines since its decline was first identified. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation on its breeding grounds in North America and, perhaps even more importantly, on its wintering grounds in Central America and along its spring and fall migration routes (Stanley et al. 2014), along with maturation of forests in much of its former breeding habitat (Ahlering and Faaborg 2006), are thought to be important causes of its dramatic decline. The Wood Thrush was assessed as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2012b), and was listed under the Species at Risk Act in 2017. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
The Wood Thrush's decline, as with many forest birds, is thought to be due in part to habitat loss and fragmentation on both its breeding grounds in northeastern North America and its Central American wintering grounds. Habitat fragmentation on the breeding grounds has led to increased nest predation and parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (COSEWIC 2012b). Wood Thrushes are most abundant in mid-successional forests. The recent maturation of these forests across eastern North America may be an important factor in the species' widespread population decline (Faaborg et al. 2010). In addition, habitat degradation through over-browsing by white-tailed deer and residential development may also negatively affect Wood Thrush (COSEWIC 2012b). For information on the legal status of this species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), see the Species at Risk Public Registry.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
