A medium-sized thrasher with distinctive curved bill.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The curve-billed thrasher is a medium-sized mimid native to most of Mexico and to the deserts of southwestern United States. It is a non-migratory species, and throughout most of its range it is the most common desert thrasher. Several subspecies have been classified since 1827, though there is no consensus on the number. Allopatric speciation is believed to have played a major role in the variations of the curve-billed. It is grey-brown overall with a slightly curved bill, and is similar in appearance to the related Bendire's thrasher. It generally resides in desert regions of the United States and Mexico, but can inhabit areas predominately populated by humans.
Source: Wikipedia — Curve-billed thrasher Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Gray-brown thrasher with a curved dark bill, blurry spotting on the breast, pale orange eyes, and (often) two faint pale wing bars.
Similar species. Bendire's Thrasher has a shorter, straighter bill with a pale base and finer breast spots; the Curve-billed has a longer curved bill and a duskier face.
Voice. A loud, sharp, liquid 'whit-WHEET!' (like a human whistle to get attention); song a rich jumble.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, fruits, occasional small vertebrates.
Behavior. The common 'default' thrasher of southwestern deserts and towns; forages on the ground around cholla and prickly-pear and nests in cactus. Bold and vocal around suburbs.
§ Range
Southwestern US
§ Habitat
Desert habitats
§ Threats
Habitat loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the curve-billed thrasher is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support southwestern desert conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Curve-billed thrasher
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Toxostoma curvirostre
- IUCN Red List — search for Toxostoma curvirostre
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Toxostoma curvirostre
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
