Bendire's Thrasher

Bendire's Thrasher, adult; Tucson, AZ

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

Bendire's Thrasher is a bird of the deserts of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Unlike other southwestern thrashers, it leaves the northern portion of its breeding range in winter, and wanderers sometimes appear at unexpected locations.

Description

• Large, long-tailed songbird.
• Dull grayish brown all over.
• Long, slightly down-curved bill.
• Faint spots on chest and belly.

• Size: 23-25 cm (9-10 in)
• Weight: 60 g (2.12 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

Song a complex musical warble, not broken into phrases like other thrashers. Call a "chek."

Conservation Status

May be declining in some areas. Listed as "Species of Special Concern" in California.

Other Names

Moqueur de Bendire (French)
Cuitlacoche Sonorense, Cuitlacoche Piquicorto (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Bendire's Thrasher often cocks its tail over its back when running.

Sources used to construct this page:

England, A. S. and W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr. 1993. Bendire?s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei). In The Birds of North America, No. 71 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists? Union.