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California thrasher facts for kids

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California thrasher
Toxostoma redivivum -Morro Bay, California, USA-8.jpg
In California
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Toxostoma
Species:
redivivum
Toxostoma redivivum species distribution map.svg
California thrasher range

The California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) is a large thrasher found primarily in chaparral habitat in California and Baja California. Similar to the crissal and Le Conte's thrashers in habit, the California thrasher is the only species of Toxostoma throughout most of its limited range. Like most thrashers, it rarely flies in the open, preferring to keep hidden in dense brush. Therefore, while it is common throughout much of its range, it is rarely seen.

At about 12 in (30 cm) and nearly 85 g (3.0 oz), the California thrasher is the largest species of mimid. It has a distinctive long, decurved beak, and is generally brown, with buffy underparts and undertail (unlike the crissal). It has a dark cheek pattern and eye-line, and unlike most thrashers, has dark eyes. The California thrasher eats insects and small invertebrates, which it uncovers by tossing its beak in ground litter.

CaliforniaThrashers
California thrashers in mating ritual at Descanso Gardens, California.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Toxostoma redivivum para niños

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