Today I saw a couple of these small birds - from a distance I thought maybe female bluebirds, from the size and shape, but when I got closer I could see they were definitely not. But what are they? For some reason, ovenbird popped into my head, and WhatBird makes that seem a possibility - but I don't see any crown stripe. Hermit thrush is another possibility - they're only here during migration.
A more frontal view, but less clear.
It is definitely a thrush species. My guess would be Swainson's Thrush
I've had one of these birds in my yard in northwest Iowa the last couple of days too.
It's not in my Birds of Iowa book and I have been unsuccessful in getting a pic to post here. Thanks for both the question and the answer.
Looked this up in my Audubon Field Guide. It also looks like a gray-cheeked Thrush, 6 1/2" to 8". Dull olive brown with no rust color in the plumage. It has no eye ring. It comes from a much farther north section of Canada from Alaska to Newfoundland. It winters in the West Indies, Central and South America. This little fella really travels!!!
I'd go for Gray-cheeked, both Marty's and Lily's birds.
Resin
Thanks to all for the replies and inputs. I think gray-cheeked thrush is the best bet. (Nice picture, Lily). They're migratory here, so I may not get another chance to see them. Nice to get confirmation from another Iowan, LowEffort. I think I'll mark this one solved.
