Mockingbirds, Catbirds, Thrashers

Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum

Family Mimidae (Mockingbirds, Catbirds, Thrashers)

Size: 11"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Woodlands, thickets, urban gardens, orchards

The brown thrasher is primarily a ground-dwelling bird that thrashes through leaves and dirt for insects and plant material. It has a long tail and legs with a medium-length, slightly decurved bill. Plumage is rufous brown above, including the tail, and whitish below, heavily streaked with brown or black. There are two prominent, pale wing bars and pale outermost corners to the tail. Its eye is yellow to orange. Its voice is a variety of musical phrases, often sung from a conspicuous perch. The adult is illustrated.