ID Keys: Long decurved bill, pale sandy gray overall, peachy
undertail coverts, plain face with darker lores
The
Le Conte's Thrasher is a pale thrasher of very arid lands in the
southwestern U.S. and Mexico. They rarely choose to fly, spending most of
their time on the ground, and even prefer to run when disturbed rather than
fly. They are rather uncommon even in suitable habitat, and given
their preference for harsh environments, they are a bird not easily found
for birders. Numbers undoubtedly declined in the 20th century due to
habitat loss, and they breed over a relatively small geographic range.
However, existing populations are likely to persist, given the harshness of
their preferred habitats and the lack of widespread disturbance from humans.
Habitat
Found in arid habitats with
scattered shrubs. They can be found in more open habitats than some
other southwestern thrasher species, such as sparsely vegetated desert areas
with scattered shrubs.
Diet
Feeds mostly on insects and spiders, but
will also sometimes eat fruits and berries. They will also take small
vertebrates like small lizards.
Behavior
Forages by walking on the ground, using
it's bill to dig in the soil and litter, searching for insects.
Nesting
The nest of a Le Conte's Thrasher is a
large cup of twigs and thorns, lined with softer material such as grasses
and leaves. The female lays 3 or 4 eggs, and both parents help to
incubate them. After hatching, both parents help to feed the young.
Le Conte's Thrashers often raise more than one brood per breeding season.
Song
Series of soft warbles with long smooth
notes
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout its normal range.
