The Curved-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) is a medium-sized passerine bird found throughout the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This bird is approximately 10 inches long and weighs between 2.2 and 2.5 ounces. The Curved-billed Thrasher is known for its striking appearance, with a gray-brown back and wings, a pale belly, and a distinctive curved bill.
The curved bill is one of the most distinguishing field marks of the Curved-billed Thrasher. The bird’s bill is about an inch long and curves downward, allowing it to forage efficiently for insects and other small invertebrates on the ground. The Curved-billed Thrasher also has a distinctive, raspy call that can be heard throughout its range.
The Curved-billed Thrasher is a resident species in its range, meaning that it does not typically migrate long distances. However, it may move locally in response to changes in food availability or weather conditions. In the United States, the Curved-billed Thrasher is found primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, but it also occurs in small numbers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado.
The Curved-billed Thrasher is a bird of arid and semi-arid habitats, such as deserts, scrublands, and grasslands. It is often found in areas with mesquite and cactus, which provide important sources of food and shelter. The bird is also known to use man-made structures, such as fence posts and buildings, as perches and nesting sites.
In terms of behavior, the Curved-billed Thrasher is known for its ground-foraging habits, often using its curved bill to dig in the soil for insects and other prey. The bird is also known to use its bill to probe under rocks and other debris in search of food. The Curved-billed Thrasher typically builds its nest in a low shrub or cactus, and both parents participate in raising the young.