- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Mimidae
Basic Description
A lanky, gray-brown bird of desert washes, the Crissal Thrasher generally stays hidden and close to the ground as it probes for insects and seeds with its long, curved bill. It is easily mistaken for a Curve-billed Thrasher with its long tail and light orange eyes, except for a subtle black-and-white mustache, rich cinnamon patch under the tail, and pale, unspotted belly. Its mellow, musical song makes it one of the finest desert songsters.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
Crissal Thrashers are furtive by nature and forage within thorny desert vegetation, usually on the ground, where they are hard to see. The best way to find them is to listen for males singing in late winter and spring (they also sometimes sing in autumn). At other times, look for them foraging at the base of a bush or running across an opening in the vegetation.
Other Names
- Cuitlacoche Culirrojo (Spanish)
- Moqueur cul-roux (French)