A large plump thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) of wooded areas of eastern North America, having a reddish-brown head and a spotted cream-colored breast. One of the 11 species of thrushes (in the genus Hylocichla, or Catharus) called nightingale thrushes because of their rich songs. H. mustelina is common in eastern U.S. broadleaf forests; it is 8 in. (20 cm) long and has drab, spotted plumage and a rusty-colored head