Crissal Thrasher vs Curve-billed Thrasher

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

Medium63 gShrubland

The bird grows to 32 centimetres (13 in), and has a deeply curved bill. The eyes are dull yellow. Bird expert Roger Tory Peterson described its singing as sweeter and less spasmodic than other thrashers. It can be found near desert streams in dense underbrush, mesquite thickets, willows, scrub oak, high elevations in manzanita, and in the low desert near canyon chaparral. The bird seldom flies in the open. As such, the crissal thrasher rarely flies, preferring to walk or run around its territory and will mostly run for cover when disturbed by a potential predator.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: John J. Mosesso, NBII · Public domain

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

Medium81 gShrubland

The curve-billed thrasher is immediately recognized as a thrasher by its long tail and short wings. It is also recognized for its sickle-shaped bill, almost as long as its head width and brownish black in color. The body is compact with a large head, short wings and long tail. However, the tail is short relative to other thrasher species. The chest is grayish brown with circular brown-gray spots. The eyes are generally orange, shading to golden in adulthood. Juveniles are lacking in pale tips, rectrices, abdominal feathers are unkempt and upper parts and chest are washed rufously.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Lorie Shaull · CC BY 2.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Crissal Thrasher and Curve-billed Thrasher.