Grey Thrasher

Overview

The grey thrasher (Toxostoma cinereum) is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the family Mimidae. It is endemic to the Baja California peninsula of Mexico.

Identification

• Medium-sized passerine, 21.4 to 25.0 cm long.
• Grey-brown above with cinnamon tones on the rump; white underparts with arrow-shaped black spots.
• Golden yellow eyes; outer tail feathers have white tips.
• Song is a loud, fairly scratchy warbling, often sung from a high open perch.

Habitat

Found only in Mexico's Baja California, ranging from approximately north latitude 31°14' to the southern tip, though restricted on the east side to as far north as 28°. It inhabits arid and semi-arid landscapes that are open to semi-open, featuring cacti, scrub, or scattered bushes and trees, from sea level to 1,500 m elevation.

Diet

The grey thrasher typically forages on the ground or low down in vegetation. Its diet includes arthropods and cactus fruits.

Did you know?

There is a record of this species in the Famosa Slough, San Diego County, California, despite its range being otherwise restricted to Baja California.