Bird Guide

Bendire's Thrasher vs Scaly-breasted Thrasher

Bendire's Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei)

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

Medium62 gShrubland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Bendire's Thrasher
Recorded by Chrissy Kondrat · Call · Wittmann, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States · CC0
Photo: Jason Leduc · CC0
Scaly-breasted Thrasher (Allenia fusca)

Scaly-breasted Thrasher

Allenia fusca

Medium67 gShrubland

The scaly-breasted thrasher is approximately 23 cm (9.1 in) long and weighs 53 to 98 g (1.9 to 3.5 oz) with an average weight of 67 g (2.4 oz). With its rather short and slightly decurved bill, this thrasher resembles a thrush. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a dark gray-brown head and upperparts with a reddish tinge on the rump. Their tail is a darker brownish black and its outer feathers have white tips. The folded wing shows a single white bar. Their chin and throat are whitish with brown streaks. Voice: The scaly-breasted thrasher's song is a "eries of varied notes and phrases" similar to that of Mimus mockingbirds but softer and slower.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: chrisdt · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Bendire's Thrasher and Scaly-breasted Thrasher.