The Catharus ustulatus, commonly known as the Swainson's Thrush, is native to North America. It is predominantly found across a broad range of the continent, spanning from Alaska through Canada and into parts of the northern United States during the breeding season. It migrates to Central and South America during the winter months.

Swainson's Thrush typically inhabits moist, dense coniferous and mixed wood forests during its breeding season. These environments are characterized by cool, humid conditions with rich understory vegetation, often near water bodies like streams and bogs. In its wintering grounds, the bird favors tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, and shrubby areas.

Swainson's Thrush occupies a niche as a migratory songbird, feeding on a variety of insects and arthropods during the breeding season, and switching to a diet primarily composed of fruits and berries in the winter. This species is adapted to living in densely vegetated areas, where it nests in low shrubs or trees and utilizes its strong sense of hearing and sight for foraging.