Grey Thrasher

The Gray Thrasher (Toxostoma cinereum) is a medium-sized bird, a member of the Mimidae family, with a length ranging from 21.4 to 25.0 cm (8.4 to 9.8 in). Males typically weigh between 58.6 to 69.8 g (2.07 to 2.46 oz), while a female was recorded at 54.4 g (1.92 oz). This species exhibits a gray-brown plumage on its upper parts, with a hint of cinnamon on the rump, and white underparts adorned with arrow-shaped black spots. The outer tail feathers are tipped with white, and the eyes are a striking golden yellow.

Identification Tips

To identify the Gray Thrasher, look for its gray-brown upper parts with cinnamon tones on the rump, white underparts with distinctive black spots, and white-tipped outer tail feathers. The golden yellow eyes are also a key feature. The two subspecies, T. c. cinereum and T. c. mearnsi, are similar in appearance, though T. c. mearnsi is generally darker.

Habitat

The Gray Thrasher is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, favoring open to semi-open landscapes dotted with cacti, scrub, or scattered bushes and trees. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

Distribution

Endemic to the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, the Gray Thrasher's range extends from approximately north latitude 31°14' to the southern tip of the peninsula. On the eastern side, its range is limited to north of approximately 28°. There has been a recorded sighting in the Famosa Slough of San Diego County, California.

Behaviour

The Gray Thrasher typically forages on the ground or within low vegetation. It is not a well-studied species, but its diet is known to include arthropods and cactus fruits.

Song & calls

The song of the Gray Thrasher is a loud, fairly scratchy warbling, often repeated two or three times and delivered from a high, open perch. Its calls are varied, including a rolled, rippling to rough whirr-rr-rr or chirr-rri-rrit, and a gruff chrek.

Breeding

Breeding times differ between the two subspecies; T. c. mearnsi breeds in March and April, while T. c. cinereum breeds from May to mid-July in the far south. The nest is a twig cup lined with finer materials like grass, placed within 3 m (9.8 ft) of the ground. T. c. mearnsi prefers cacti for nesting, whereas T. c. cinereum also uses thorny shrubs and mesquite trees. Clutch sizes range from two to four eggs.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Gray Thrasher as Least Concern. It boasts a very large range and an apparently stable population of at least 20,000 mature individuals.