Ecology and Vulnerability

Wood Thrush

Background
The wood thrush is a neotropical migrant bird that winters in forests from southern Mexico to Panama^1,2.  Its breeding range extends throughout much of eastern North America, from northern Florida to southern New Brunswick³.  In New England, wood thrush inhabit low, cool, damp deciduous forests at elevations up to roughly 1970 ft³.  In Massachusetts, the species is rare along coastal areas where appropriate woodlands are lacking².  The peak of the spring migration occurs in the middle of May, while the fall migration begins in late August and peaks in September².

Climate Impacts
Information about climate impacts on wood thrush is scarce.  Because Massachusetts is near the northern end of the wood thrush's range, it seems likely its presence here will not be adversely affected by any potential range shifts of the species further north. 

Many studies suggest that climate change will eventually shift forest ecotones (transition areas between forest communities) further upslope^4,5.  It is possible that such shifts could result in this species inhabiting higher elevation habitat within Massachusetts. 

At least one study involving a long-term dataset has detected shifts in migration timing for this species in Worcester County, MA and in Cayuga Lake Basin, New York⁶.  Individuals appear to be arriving earlier to breeding grounds in the spring.  Modeling studies considering habitat capability and climate suitability conducted by the University of Massachusetts projected a negligible (-0.1%) reduction in habitat across the northeast for this species by 2080⁷.  Modeling by the US Forest Service predicts slight reductions in abundance for this species in some parts of Massachusetts over the next century⁸.