California Thrasher

Toxostoma redivivum

The California Thrasher is most often found in sage-scrub and chaparral habitat in California and Baja California. From the hills near my Poway home, I am serenaded by these birds regularly. I find their songs are joyful. Their singing never fails to bring a smile to my face.

California Thrashers incorporate imitations of other bird songs into their own songs, especially songs and calls from their chaparral neighbors. California Quail, Wrentit, California Scrub-Jay, Bewick’s Wren, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Spotted Towhee, and Lesser Goldfinch are all fair game to this impressionist entertainer.

Despite its relatively restricted range, science recognises two subspecies of California Thrasher:

T. r. redivivum lives south of Central California and into Baja California (Mexico).
T. r. sonomae lives in Northern California.

As with many chaparral-loving birds, California Thrashers prefer being near the ground. This is where they find their food, and where they feel safest. They use their long, curved bills to thrash through leaf litter. This is especially true in the breeding season, when insects comprise most of their food supply. When they aren’t raising families, they switch to a more vegetarian diet, and dine on native or garden-grown fruits.

California Thrasher - Toxostoma redivivum — **California Thrasher**
*(Toxostoma redivivum)*

**Description:**
Along the Great Southern Overland Stage Route, West of the Vallecito Stage Station. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2013:03:26 6:56

**Location:**

Vallecito Valley
Anza-Borrego, California
United States
1617.53 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/400

**File Name:** D3X2695-CaliforniaThrasher

© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pin It — **California Thrasher**
*(Toxostoma redivivum)*

**Description:**
Along the Great Southern Overland Stage Route, West of the Vallecito Stage Station. San Diego County, California.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2013:03:26 6:56

**Location:**

Vallecito Valley
Anza-Borrego, California
United States
1617.53 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/400

**File Name:** D3X2695-CaliforniaThrasher

© 2013 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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California Thrasher - California Thrasher — **California Thrasher**
*(California Thrasher)*

**Description:**
Dos Picos County Park. Ramona, California. San Diego County 2008-06-26.
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**Date Taken:** 2008:06:26 8:50

**Location:**

Dos Picos Park
Ramona, California
United States
1555.20 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000

**File Name:** JCD7307CaliforniaThrasher.Juvenile

© 2008 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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