California Thrasher

A brownish bird with a short downward pointed curved beak stands on a sidewalk and looks to the right.

NPS Photo

California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)

Length 12” Wingspan 12.5”
Long curved bill, slightly rounded body, rounded wings, long tail, buff color belly and undertail, dark eye-line, seen foraging (thrashing) on ground for inverts.

Another bird that mimics the songs of others, you can distinguish the California Thrasher from Northern Mockingbirds by the less musical quality of its song. Furthermore, the pattern thrashers use differs from that of mockingbirds – males of this species will only sing a phrase twice before moving on to the next one, giving the impression that its repertoire is more scattered and less repetitious. Species that are commonly mimicked by the California Thrasher include Spotted Towhees, Wrentits, Bewick’s Wrens, California Quails, and California Scrub-Jays.

 

Last updated: August 24, 2020

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1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Phone:

619 523-4285

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