About the Curve-billed Thrasher
The curve-billed thrasher is a medium-sized mimid native to most of Mexico and to the deserts of southwestern United States. It is a non-migratory species, and throughout most of its range it is the most common desert thrasher. Several subspecies have been classified since 1827, though there is no consensus on the number. Allopatric speciation is believed to have played a major role in the variations of the curve-billed. It is grey-brown overall with a slightly curved bill, and is similar in appearance to the related Bendire's thrasher. It generally resides in desert regions of the United States and Mexico, but can inhabit areas predominately populated by humans.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
California ThrasherToxostoma redivivumThe California thrasher is about 32 cm (13 in) long and weighs up to 90 g (3.2 oz); it is the largest thrasher.
Long-billed ThrasherToxostoma longirostreThis bird is slender and long-tailed, averaging 26.5–29 cm (10.5–11.5 in) in length and about 70 g (2.5 oz) in weight.
Crissal ThrasherToxostoma crissaleThe bird grows to 32 centimetres (13 in), and has a deeply curved bill.
Side by side: Curve-billed Thrasher vs Grey Catbird · Brown Thrasher vs Curve-billed Thrasher · California Thrasher vs Curve-billed Thrasher · Curve-billed Thrasher vs Long-billed Thrasher
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