Bendire's Thrasher Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBendire's Thrasher
Adult
Large songbird, but smaller than similar thrashers. Triangular spots mark the breast forming distinct streaks. Bill is shorter and straighter than similar Curve-billed Thrasher.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 15, 2021Adult
Large songbird, but smaller than similar thrashers. Triangular spots mark the breast forming distinct streaks. Bill is shorter and straighter than similar Curve-billed Thrasher.
© Diana Spangler / Macaulay LibraryArizona, December 29, 2020© Lindsay Story / Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 08, 2018
Adult
Like other thrashers has a long tail, but bill is shorter and straighter. Uniformly pale brown overall without obvious wingbars.
© Tony Battiste / Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 11, 2020Habitat
Found in open grasslands, shrublands, or woodlands with scattered shrubs or trees. Usually not found in areas with dense vegetation.
© Jesse Anderson / Macaulay LibraryNevada, April 02, 2018Similar SpeciesSage Thrasher
Adult
Sage Thrashers are smaller with a shorter and straighter bill than Bendire's Thrashers. They also have thin white wingbars, which Bendire's lack and streaking rather than spotting on the breast.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 01, 2003Similar SpeciesCurve-billed Thrasher
Adult/immature
Curve-billed Thrashers have a longer, more curved, all dark bill and larger and more rounded spots on breast compared to Bendire's, which have a shorter bill and more triangular spots.
© Tom Benson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 05, 2015Similar SpeciesLeConte's Thrasher
Adult
LeConte's Thrashers are a paler gray overall without spotting on the breast like Bendire's Thrashers.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 18, 2016Similar SpeciesCrissal Thrasher
Adult
Crissal Thrashers are grayer overall with a black-and-white mustache not seen on Bendire's Thrashers. They do not have a spotted belly like Bendire's.
© Dick Dionne / Macaulay LibraryArizona, January 20, 2010Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Mockingbirds and Thrashers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Mimidae)
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.