California Thrasher

Toxostoma redivivum

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernInvertebratesShrublandCup nestMedium · 84 g

What the California Thrasher sounds like

Sonogram of the California Thrasher: time runs left to right, pitch bottom to top, and the brighter the mark the louder the sound.
Recorded by Jonas Katona · Song · Whitney Canyon Park, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Sonogram of the California Thrasher: time runs left to right, pitch bottom to top, and the brighter the mark the louder the sound.
Recorded by Jonas Katona · Song · Whitney Canyon Park, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Sonogram of the California Thrasher: time runs left to right, pitch bottom to top, and the brighter the mark the louder the sound.
Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Call, song · Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara, California, United States · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto

ID tip

The California thrasher is about 32 cm (13 in) long and weighs up to 90 g (3.2 oz); it is the largest thrasher. It has a distinctive long, decurved beak and a long tail. It is generally deep grayish brown above with olive tones on the tail. It has a grayish buff supercilium, a dark cheek pattern and eye line, and unlike most thrashers, has dark eyes. The underparts are mostly buffy to tawny brown, with the upper breast and flanks a smoky gray. The two subspecies differ only slightly. Voice: The California thrasher is recognized as a "striking and exuberant songster" known for its mimicking capabilities. It imitates many of the species that share its habitat, a trait that has been documented as reflecting a rich vocal repertoire, showcasing a wide range of vocal imitations from other species.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the California Thrasher

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is April, the month with the most records.

Where to see the California Thrasher

Regular range

The map shades 2 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

About the California Thrasher

The California thrasher is a large member of family Mimidae found primarily in chaparral habitat in California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It is the only species of the genus Toxostoma throughout most of its range.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Brown Thrasher vs California Thrasher · California Thrasher vs Curve-billed Thrasher · California Thrasher vs Long-billed Thrasher · California Thrasher vs Crissal Thrasher · Bendire's Thrasher vs California Thrasher

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