Sheri,

 

Trying to keep it simple, I believe that your photo is of a Hermit Thrush for the following reasons:

1. there is a distinct contrast between the rump and tail coloration, the tail having the tell-tail rufous distinctive of a Hermit Thrush, whose upperparts in the race found in Idaho are grayish-brown, not con-colored with the tail

2. the "face" is quite gray and the narrow eye-ring seems whitish, whereas that of a Swainson's Thrush would be more buffy, with a more buffy colored eye-ring

3. the underparts seem quite whitish, with only some buff on the sides and flanks... This would be consistent with Hermit Thrush whereas I would expect more buffy coloration on the underparts in a Swainson's

4. Also note the little to no contrast between the color on the top of the head (crown) and the lores... also Hermit Thrust distinctive for our locality

Some try to make a distinction re: the chest spotting, but I find that difficult to judge, especially in a photo like this.

 

Hope this helps.

 

J. Harry Krueger

Boise