The ocellated thrasher is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Region
Central Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Mexican highlands, especially in semi-arid scrub, thorny thickets, and edges of oak and pine–oak woodlands. It favors dense undergrowth, ravines, and secondary growth where it can remain concealed. The species is often associated with agave, cactus, and arid scrub mosaics, and will also use hedgerows and overgrown field margins. It is patchily distributed but can be locally common where suitable cover persists.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the round, eye-like spots on its underparts, the ocellated thrasher is a shy mimid that slips through dense scrub in central Mexico. Its rich, varied song often includes snippets of other birds. It forages by tossing leaf litter with its long, curved bill and helps disperse seeds when fruit is available.
Illustration (1862) of Toxostoma ocellatum
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs and maintains territories in dense cover. Nests low in thorny shrubs or dense tangles, constructing a cup of twigs and grasses. Both parents likely participate in feeding the nestlings and defending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied series of whistles, warbles, and chattering phrases delivered from concealed perches or low song posts. Includes mimicry of other local species and repeated phrase groups, with pauses between sequences.
Plumage
Upperparts warm brown to olive-brown; underparts buffy with bold, rounded dark spots (ocelli) across the breast and belly. Long, graduated tail and a slightly decurved bill. Often shows a pale supercilium and lightly streaked flanks, with clean, contrasting spotting below.
Diet
Eats a mix of insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Supplements with fruits and berries when available, and occasionally takes seeds. Uses its curved bill to flip leaf litter and probe soil and crevices. Opportunistic and adapts to seasonal food shifts.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on or near the ground in dense scrub, thorn forest edges, and overgrown clearings. Frequently works in leaf litter under shrubs, along hedgerows, and at the base of agaves and cacti.
