The Canadian population of Gray-cheeked Thrush is monitored best by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). It is well-suited to detecting the species, but has sparse coverage of some northern and high-altitude portions of the breeding range, and only medium precision. The national trend shows a large decrease of nearly 60% since the early 1970s, mostly from the early 1980s to around 2000, interrupted by a slight rebound until around 2016, but since then tapering off slightly again. Data reliability is too poor in most areas to reliably determine regional differences.

For the minimus subspecies, the best available data is the BBS for Newfoundland and Labrador. Although it covers at best an intermediate proportion of the range, the trend has medium precision and overall reliability is considered medium. It shows a steep decline of over 90% from the early 1970s to late 1990s, and a slower ongoing decrease ever since.

The goal for the national population of Gray-cheeked Thrush is to increase to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Gray-cheeked Thrush is currently below its goal range, but has been relatively stable over the past decade. Analysis considering the historical population loss and recent trend suggests that it is unlikely that the goal can be met by 2050, so the interim target is to reach 90% of the goal by 2050.

For the minimus subspecies, the goal is also to increase the population to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey data from Newfoundland and Labrador. Trend data show that the population is far below its goal range and continuing to decline. The trend will need to stabilize before the population can begin to rebound, and it is not realistic for the goal to be met by 2050. Based on analysis of the historical population loss and potential growth rates, the interim target is to reach 25% of the goal by 2050. 

Achieving these targets, and ultimately reaching the goals for Gray-cheeked Thrush, will require ambitious and long-term conservation action.