Curve-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma curvirostre

f6.3 @ 1/6400s, ISO:1600, Nikon D3S w 500mm

"Curved-billed Thrasher," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The curve-billed thrasher is a medium-sized mimid that is a member of the genus Toxostoma, native to the southwestern United States and much of Mexico. Referred to as the default desert bird, it is a non-migratory species. The curve-billed thrasher generally measures 25 to 28 cm (10 to 12 inches) long, and is immediately recognized as a thrasher by its long tail and short wings. It is also recognized for its sickle-shaped bill, almost as long as its head width and brownish-black in color. The body is compact with a large head, short wings and long tail. However, the tail is short relative to other thrasher species. The chest is grayish-brown with circular brown-gray spots. The eyes are generally orange, shading to golden in adulthood. Juveniles are lacking in pale tips, retrices, abdominal feathers are unkempt and upper parts and chest are washed rufously.

Laguna Seca Ranch, Edinburg, Texas

01/22/2016