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Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: MIMIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A large, skulking bird of thickets and hedgerows, the Brown Thrasher has one of the largest song repertoires of any North American bird. Boldly patterned, it is conspicuous when singing on its territory, but is hardly discernable during the rest of year.

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Appearance

Thrushlike
Thrushlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large long-tailed songbird.
  • Upperparts bright rufous.
  • Underparts white or buff. with black streaking.

Immature Description

Juvenile looks similar to adult, but upperparts with indistinct buff spotting, wingbars buff, and eyes gray.

Range Map Help

Brown Thrasher Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Brown Thrasher

    Adult
    • © Michael J. Hopiak/CLO

Similar Species

  • Wood Thrush is similar in color, but has round spots on breast, not streaks, a shorter tail, and no wingbars.
  • Long-billed Thrasher has a grayer face, longer darker bill, and is duller brown.