Clay-colored Thrush
Turdus grayi
The Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi) is a common thrush found in 10 countries, weighing about 80 g. The clay-colored thrush is a common Middle American bird of the thrush family (Turdidae).
About the Clay-colored Thrush
The clay-colored thrush is a common Middle American bird of the thrush family (Turdidae). It is the national bird of Costa Rica, where it is well known as the yigüirro. Other common names include clay-colored robin.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
In general appearance and habits it resembles other Turdus thrushes such as the American robin. It is about the same length or slightly smaller: 23–27 cm (9.1–10.6 in), and weighs 74–76 g (2.6–2.7 oz) on average. The plumage is brownish, somewhat lighter below than above, lightest on the flanks. Birds from humid regions are darker than those from dry regions. The throat is faintly streaked. Immature birds have faint mottling on the back and underparts. Voice: The song, rather low-pitched and with a slow steady tempo, consists of many slurred musical phrases which are often repeated irregularly. The tock flight call is like the American robin's but harsher. T. grayi's dry season mating call is quite region-specific, with noticeable differences in calls just a few hundred miles apart.
What the Clay-colored Thrush sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The Clay-colored Thrush can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Clay-colored Thrush on live cams
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Clay-colored Thrush?
- In general appearance and habits it resembles other Turdus thrushes such as the American robin. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Clay-colored Thrush?
- The Clay-colored Thrush is a medium sized bird weighing about 80 g.
- Where can you see a Clay-colored Thrush?
- The Clay-colored Thrush occurs in 10 countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala and Belize.
- What does a Clay-colored Thrush sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Clay-colored Thrush on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Clay-colored Thrush?
- The Clay-colored Thrush is most easily confused with the Mistle Thrush, the Redwing and the Rufous-bellied Thrush.
- Is the Clay-colored Thrush endangered?
- The Clay-colored Thrush is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Clay-colored Thrush 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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