Oreoscoptes montanus
adult
Compared to other thrasher species, the Sage Thrasher has a relatively short bill and tail. The sexes are similar. Adults have faintly streaked gray-brown upperparts, and the wings show two white wingbars. The face pattern comprises a pale supercilium and pale-framed streaked cheeks. The eye has a yellow iris. The white throat is edged by a black malar stripe and the pale underparts are adorned with dark streaking everywhere except the undertail, which is unmarked orange-buff. Juveniles are similar to adults but with streaking on the upperparts and reduced streaking on the underparts.
The Sage Thrasher is present as a breeding species in upland sagebrush habitats mainly from March to September. Outside the breeding season, birds move south, and the winter range extends from southwest U.S.A. to Mexico. The species is less secretive than other thrashers and often perches on sagebrush bushes, making it relatively easy to see.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 8.5 in (21.5 cm)
FOOD Invertebrates, berries, and seeds
HABITAT Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats
STATUS Locally common summer visitor; local winter visitor
VOICE Song comprises whistles and warbling phrases, with some repetition. Call is a sharp tchuk
