Bendire's Thrasher
Toxostoma bendirei
The Bendire's Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) is a rare mockingbirds and thrasher found in 2 countries, weighing about 62 g. Bendire's thrasher is a medium-sized species of thrasher native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
About the Bendire's Thrasher
Bendire's thrasher is a medium-sized species of thrasher native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is 23–28 centimetres (9.1–11.0 in) long, with a long tail and a medium-sized bill. Coloration is grayish-brown on its upperparts with paler, faintly dark streaked underparts. The base of the lower bill is often pale, the eyes are bright yellow, and the tips of the tail are white-tipped.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Because of its similar coloration and structure to the curve-billed thrasher, the two birds are very easy to mistake for one another. The Bendire's thrasher's shorter bill is a distinguishing feature when comparing mature birds, but it is still easy to misidentify an adult Bendire's thrasher as a young curve-billed thrasher as its beak has not grown to a mature length. The Bendire's thrasher's yellow eyes and pale-based lower mandible are additional markings which aid in separation from the curve-billed thrasher. Voice: Like other mimids, the often silent Bendire's thrasher incorporates the songs and calls of other species into its own songs. A sharp "chek" is the species' most common call.
What the Bendire's Thrasher sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Bendire's Thrasher?
- Because of its similar coloration and structure to the curve-billed thrasher, the two birds are very easy to mistake for one another. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Bendire's Thrasher?
- The Bendire's Thrasher is a medium sized bird weighing about 62 g.
- Where can you see a Bendire's Thrasher?
- The Bendire's Thrasher occurs in 2 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What does a Bendire's Thrasher sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Bendire's Thrasher on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Bendire's Thrasher?
- The Bendire's Thrasher is most easily confused with the LeConte's Thrasher, the Grey Thrasher and the Ocellated Thrasher.
- Is the Bendire's Thrasher endangered?
- The Bendire's Thrasher is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Bendire's Thrasher for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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