Mountain Thrush vs Sooty Thrush

The Mountain Thrush and Sooty Thrush are both dark thrushes found at higher elevations, but they can be distinguished by plumage and bare part coloration. The Mountain Thrush is very dark olive brown with a slightly paler throat, while the Sooty Thrush is principally blackish with a yellow bill and orange-yellow legs, and whitish irides.

Look for the yellow bill and orange-yellow legs of the Sooty Thrush, along with its whitish irides. The Mountain Thrush lacks these features and has a more uniformly dark olive brown plumage.

Mountain Thrushes are very dark olive brown throughout, with slightly paler throats. Sooty Thrushes are blackish in males and brownish in females, with the darkest coloration on the wings and tail.

Both species occur at higher elevations, often foraging on bare ground for insects and small fruits.