Hermit or Sage?

[Alien J]

We are still at the Salton Sea in Mecca, CA. This little fella keeps visiting our campsite. I tried to identify him using the Merlin ID. The first picture it said Hermit Thrush, the second said Sage Thrush (rare). It's outside my RV window right now. It's practically living here. The sage thrush is the smallest of the thrushes according to Merlin. This bird seems big to me. Anyone out there have a guess?


Thanks!

 

[expressmailtome]

You might want to check this website as it has descriptions of the species as well as pictures of both genders with adult and juvenile plumage: Hermit Thrush, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology , Sage Thrasher, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology . As you saw him/her in person, it may be easier for you to tell than it would be for us using the pictures.

 

[Alien J]

I did. Cornell is my go to! They also have great sound recordings of the species. Thanks!

 

[expressmailtome]

Sorry about that. I just was not positive, and did not want to wrongly identify the species.

 

[Alien J]

No worries! I'm not sure either. Even with the Cornell Lab, the Audubon Society and all the info out there on the web. Neither the Hermit Thrush or the Sage Thrush are common here, with the sage thrush being considered rare. So, guess I'll never know for sure! Doesn't really matter. I'm just thrilled he came by!