The hermit thrush is the only Catharus expected north of central Mexico in winter. Polytypic. Length 6.8".

The slow tail lift of the hermit is distinctive in the genus. Adult: in eastern faxoni, upperparts brown with moderate rufous wash. Eye ring whitish, occasionally not complete in front. Loral area darker than on other Catharus and not contrasting. Lateral throat stripes black, contrasting with white throat. Tail distinctly reddish, contrasting with upperparts. Distinct black spotting on generally white chest. Sides and flanks washed buffy-brown; brownish gray in other races. Wing panel rufous and moderately contrasting. Bill dark with pinkish base to mandible. Juvenile: spotted whitish to buff above, blackish below; some older immatures distinguishable by presence of retained juvenal wing coverts with