Pronunciation: [wˈʊd θɹˈʌʃ] (IPA) 
The wood thrush, a species of bird found in North America, is spelled /wʊd θrʌʃ/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short 'u' sound as in 'book' and the 'd' is pronounced hard. The second syllable begins with the voiceless 'th' sound as in 'think' followed by the 'r' sound. The final syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound as in 'a' and the 'sh' sound is produced by a combination of voiceless 's' and 'h' sounds.
The wood thrush is a small to medium-sized migratory songbird that belongs to the thrush family Turdidae and is scientifically known as Hylocichla mustelina. It is native to North America, primarily found in the eastern parts of the United States and parts of southern Canada. The wood thrush is known for its melodious song, consisting of rich flute-like notes that echo through forested areas during its breeding season.
Physically, the wood thrush measures around 7-8.5 inches in length and has a wingspan ranging from 11.5 to 12.5 inches. It features a russet-red upper body with bold black spots on its white underparts. The throat and chest show a distinct off-white color, while the wings and tail display a darker brown hue.
Typically found in deciduous and mixed forests, the wood thrush is predominantly insectivorous. Its diet includes a variety of insects, worms, snails, and berries. Nests are usually built on or near the ground, carefully hidden among dense vegetation or tree roots. The female wood thrush lays a clutch of 3 to 4 pale blue or greenish-blue eggs, which are incubated by both parents for approximately 12-14 days.
Despite its enchanting song and striking appearance, the population of wood thrushes has experienced a significant decline due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and urbanization. Conservation efforts have been undertaken to protect their breeding grounds, as well as to prioritize the preservation of mature forests that provide vital resources for these beautiful birds.
The word "wood thrush" has a straightforward etymology based on the combination of two common English words: "wood" and "thrush".
1. Wood: It derives from the Old English word "wudu", which referred to a forest or wooded area. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling evolved, giving us the modern word "wood". The word "wood" generally denotes an area covered with trees or a forested habitat.
2. Thrush: This word can be traced back to the Old English word "thrysce", which meant "songbird" or "thrush". The term "thrush" refers to a family of birds known for their melodious songs. Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds with brownish feathers, often characterized by beautiful songs.
