It is not very closely related to the other North American migrant species of Catharus, but rather to the Mexican russet nightingale-thrush.

[citation needed] Hermit thrushes breed in coniferous or mixed woods across Canada, southern Alaska, and the northeastern and western United States.

[8] Hermit thrushes make a cup nest on the ground or relatively low in a tree.

Hermit thrushes forage on the forest floor, as well as in trees or shrubs, mainly eating insects and berries.

The hermit thrush's song[9] has been described as "the finest sound in nature"[10] and is ethereal and flute-like, consisting of a beginning note, then several descending musical phrases in a minor key, repeated at different pitches.