Although the Wood Thrush is more common in the southern parts of this region and the Hermit Thrush is more common in the north, the ranges of these two melodic thrushes overlap extensively, and their songs can be tricky to differentiate when heard at a distance. At close range, the distinctive “pit-pit-pit” call notes of the Wood Thrush give them away. The Hermit Thrush song tends to have a clearer, more melodic ending, compared with the more rapid trill of the Wood Thrush.
You need a Flash Player to hear these audio clips. Hermit ThrushA Level 3 birder is capable of a complete and accurate survey of birds using a point count, transect, or other standard method. Tools such as field guides and audio CD’s can be used, but field surveys by birders at this level are expected to provide high quality, scientifically rigorous data. In order to achieve Level 3 Certification, a birder must complete two Visual Identification Tests, correctly identifying at least 18 of 20 bird species on both tests (Visual level 2); and complete two Audio Identification Tests, correctly identifying at least 90% of the bird species on both tests (Audio level 2).
Audio Identification Habitat Categories
Because expertise in bird vocalizations and calls may be limited to a specific type of habitat, audio identification is categorized by habitat:
A birder can be certified for northern forests, for example, but not for wetlands or southern forests.