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LeConte's Thrasher

Silhouette ThrashersThrashers
LeConte's ThrasherToxostoma lecontei
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Mimidae

Basic Description

A ghost of a bird in some of the most arid habitats in North America, the sand-colored LeConte’s Thrasher blends in well with the pale deserts where it lives. When alarmed, this species flees on foot, like a miniature roadrunner, scampering rapidly among plants with tail cocked high. Only during the breeding season, when males perch high and sing in the morning, is this species conspicuous. Sadly it is now a very uncommon bird, with much of its habitat now lost to development and agriculture.

More ID Info
image of range map for LeConte's Thrasher
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

Even in optimal desert habitat, LeConte’s Thrashers are inconspicuous and virtually terrestrial for most of the year, staying on or near the ground in brushy cover. During the breeding season (December–March), males perch prominently and sing, most consistently on calm and cool early mornings. This is the best time to search for this phantom, although at other times of year, walking stealthily through open desert habitat with eyes wide open might produce a sighting (if only of a bird running away).

Other Names

  • Cuitlacoche Pálido (Spanish)
  • Moqueur de LeConte (French)
  • Cool Facts