Usually the commonest Catharus in deciduous forest. First to head s., usually in Aug (others Sep/Oct). A single downslurred 'veer,' 'vyur,' or 'cheroot' often gives its presence away, sometimes followed by several birds in response. This can be a common nocturnal sound. Song soft and fluty going down the scale. ID: The most muscular Catharus with a thick neck. Has the warmest upperparts: in bright light it can appear like WOTH. Alternatively, it can look dull, and with its bland face pattern and hint of gray cheeks, it is easy to think GCTH. The spotting on the underparts is always more diffuse than in confusion species. It has the palest flanks of any Catharus.