The long-billed thrasher is a medium-sized resident songbird of South Texas and eastern Mexico. It bears a strong resemblance to its close relative the brown thrasher in appearance, calls, and various other behaviors; however, the two species do not overlap in range except in the winter when the brown thrasher will temporarily reside in the northern range of the long-billed.
Region
South Texas and Eastern Mexico
Typical Environment
Found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas south through northeastern and eastern Mexico, chiefly in Tamaulipan thornscrub, brushy ranchlands, and riparian thickets. It prefers dense, thorny vegetation with abundant ground litter for foraging. The species also uses edges of woodlands, overgrown fields, hedgerows, and suburban brushy lots. In Mexico it ranges along the Gulf Slope into coastal lowlands and foothills. It generally avoids open grasslands and high, closed-canopy forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This thrasher is a year-round resident of South Texas and eastern Mexico, where it favors dense thornscrub. It closely resembles the Brown Thrasher but has a longer, more decurved bill and slightly grayer-brown upperparts. It forages by sweeping its long bill through leaf litter to uncover insects and other prey. Its rich, variable song often repeats phrases and carries well from concealed perches.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Pairs nest low in dense, thorny shrubs, building a bulky stick nest lined with finer materials. Both adults participate in nest defense and feeding of the young. Outside breeding, it remains largely solitary and stays close to thick cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied series of whistles, trills, and warbled phrases, often delivered from concealed perches. Phrases are frequently repeated in pairs, with scolding 'chak' or 'chuck' calls as alarms. The song is strong and carries well through brushy habitats.
