Confirm Veery?

[harpoon659]

Seen in Fairfax County, Virginia, on 6 April 2020.  Is this a Veery?

 

 

[akiley]

Hermit. Reddish tail and dark spotting on the breast.

[blackburnian]

Agreed. 

[akandula]

This is a second-year bird with those distinct pale tips on the retained outer greater coverts.

[Jefferson Shank]

Absolutely a Hermit Thrush.

[Tony Leukering]

Strong black lateral throat stripes rule out Veery, as does the extensive dark spotting below.

4 hours ago, akandula said:

This is a second-year bird with those distinct pale tips on the retained outer greater coverts.

This is correct. However, beware that what you're looking for to age second-year Catharus thrushes, is a shaft spot, usually teardrop-shaped, rather than pale tips to those coverts. Hermits of all ages can show pale tips (and other Catharus sport them infrequently).

For example, this Swainsons Thrush sports one juvenile covert with the teardrop-shaped shaft spot/streak. The outer greater coverts have been replaced and note the thin, pale tips to those.

[harpoon659]

Many thanks to all for the help on this tough one!