California Thrasher

The California thrasher, Toxostoma redivivum, is a robust bird, the largest of its kin, with a length of about 32 cm (13 in) and a weight reaching 90 g (3.2 oz). It boasts a long, downward-curving beak and an elongated tail. Its plumage is a deep grayish brown with olive hues on the tail, and it sports a grayish buff supercilium. A dark cheek pattern and eye line contrast with its dark eyes, a feature that sets it apart from most thrashers. The underparts are a warm buffy to tawny brown, with the upper breast and flanks a smoky gray.

Identification Tips

To identify the California thrasher, look for its long, decurved bill and lengthy tail. Its overall deep grayish brown coloration with olive tones on the tail and a grayish buff supercilium are distinctive. The dark eyes are a key feature to distinguish it from other thrashers.

Habitat

The California thrasher is a year-round resident of chaparral habitats, sagebrush, juniper bushland, and riparian and oak woodlands with dense understory. It can also be found in suburban parks and yards with sufficient cover. It typically resides up to elevations of 1,600 m (5,200 ft), and in southern California mountains, it may be found as high as 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

Distribution

This species is endemic to California in the United States and extends into northwestern Baja California in Mexico. It is found from Santa Cruz and Placer counties in California southwards, with two subspecies showing slight overlap in their ranges.

Behaviour

The California thrasher is elusive, often remaining hidden in dense cover. When it does emerge, it moves swiftly on the ground with its tail held high. It is known for its distinct foraging behavior, spending much of its time on the ground beneath the shelter of dense vegetation.

Song & Calls

The California thrasher is a remarkable vocalist, known for its exuberant and varied song that includes imitations of other species. Both sexes sing, often from exposed perches, delivering phrases that are repeated with vigor. The bird also has a range of calls used for communication and exhibits sensitivity to song syntax, which is important for territorial defense.

Breeding

Breeding season for the California thrasher typically runs from February to July, with some starting as early as January. The species may raise two broods per season. Both sexes contribute to nest building, which is an open cup structure hidden in dense shrubs. Clutch size is usually three to four eggs, with both parents involved in incubation and feeding of the young.

Diet and Feeding

The California thrasher primarily forages on the ground, using its bill to sift through leaf litter and soil. Its diet consists mainly of insects and invertebrates in the spring, supplemented by small soft fruits for the rest of the year. It is often seen foraging under cover but may feed in more exposed areas when consuming fruits.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the California thrasher as Least Concern. It has a very large range and population, with only a minor decline observed in recent decades. The primary threats to its habitat include fragmentation and conversion.