LeConte's Thrasher

The LeConte's thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei) is a pale, desert-dwelling bird, blending seamlessly with the sandy soils of its arid habitat. Weighing between 55 to 75 grams and measuring 24.5–29 cm in length, this species exhibits no sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females are indistinguishable in appearance.

Identification Tips

Look for a bird with a sandy pale-gray crown, back, shoulders, and rump. Its primaries and secondaries are grayish brown, while the rectrices are a darker gray brown. The throat is off-white with a darker stripe, and the chest and belly are puffy gray. The underwing is gray and buff, and the bird sports a brown-chestnut iris, a distinctive black-sickle shaped bill, and nearly black legs.

Habitat

LeConte's thrashers favor desert environments with sparse vegetation, such as dunes, alluvial fans, and gently rolling hills. They are often found among saltbush, creosote, cholla cacti, and Mojave yucca.

Distribution

This nonmigratory bird's range extends from the southwestern United States into northwestern Mexico, inhabiting regions like the Sonoran Desert and the San Joaquin Valley.

Behaviour

LeConte's thrashers are terrestrial and seldom fly, preferring to run swiftly across the desert floor. They are monogamous and often seen in pairs or small juvenile groups. These birds are ground foragers, digging in the soil to find their prey.

Song & calls

Their song is a series of warbled phrases, loud and carrying over long distances. Calls include a short whistle note and a double-noted whistling distress call.

Breeding

Both sexes participate in nest building, with nests constructed in dense, thorny shrubs or occasionally in artificial structures. They may produce up to three broods per season, with clutch sizes ranging from 2 to 5 eggs.

Similar Species

LeConte's thrashers may be confused with the California thrasher and the crissal thrasher, but can be distinguished by their paler plumage and habitat preference.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous diet includes arthropods, small reptiles, eggs, seeds, and berries. They are adapted to conserve water, obtaining moisture from their food.

Conservation status

Despite declines in certain areas, the LeConte's thrasher is classified as Least Concern due to its overall stable population and large range.