The Hermit Thrush is one of the most widely distributed forest-nesting, migratory birds in North America. California is welcoming these birds back to their breeding habitats this Pacific Migration and are being reported in the state's coniferous and mixed woodlands. What makes this bird different from its brother and sister thrushes is that it is found in higher elevations. There is also little variation among the ages and sexes, with all having a uniformly brown wing and white spotting on the chest, which can make IDing more difficult.

For however drab the Hermit Thrush is in appearance, it makes up for its beautiful song which is often described as haunting, flute-like, and ethereal.

The song has inspired more than one poet; including Walt Whitman, Amy Clampitt, and T.S. Eliot. The Hermit Thrush call even appears in Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii.