California Thrasher
Toxostoma redivivum
The California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) is a common mockingbirds and thrasher found in 2 countries, weighing about 84 g. 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.
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.
How to identify it
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.
What the California Thrasher sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The California Thrasher can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a California Thrasher?
- The California thrasher is about 32 cm (13 in) long and weighs up to 90 g (3.2 oz); it is the largest thrasher. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a California Thrasher?
- The California Thrasher is a medium sized bird weighing about 84 g.
- Where can you see a California Thrasher?
- The California Thrasher occurs in 2 countries, including the United States and Mexico.
- What does a California Thrasher sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the California Thrasher on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a California Thrasher?
- The California Thrasher is most easily confused with the Long-billed Thrasher, the Crissal Thrasher and the Bendire's Thrasher.
- Is the California Thrasher endangered?
- The California Thrasher is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the California Thrasher for real
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