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California thrasher

January 01, 1970

The California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) is a large member of family Mimidae found primarily in chaparral habitat in California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It is the only species of the genus Toxostoma throughout most of its range.[2][3]

California thrasher
In California
Song
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Mimidae
Genus: Toxostoma
Species:
T. redivivum
Binomial name
Toxostoma redivivum
(Gambel, 1845)
California thrasher range

Taxonomy and systematics edit

The California thrasher is closely related to the crissal thrasher (Toxostoma crissale) and LeConte's thrasher (T. lecontei), and the three may form a superspecies. It has two subspecies, the nominate T. r. redivivum and T. r. sonomae.[2][3]

The phylogeography of the California thrasher has been explored through a study analyzing mitochondrial-DNA variation. The distribution of genealogical lineages within the species reflects a complex series of ecological and historical events that have shaped its current geographical distribution.[4] Historically, the distribution of genealogical lineages within the California thrasher species has been shaped by a complex interplay of ecological and historical events. The phylogeographic analysis sheds light on the evolutionary history and the distribution patterns of this bird across its range.[4]

Description edit

The California thrasher is about 32 cm (13 in) long and weighs up to 90 g (3.2 oz); it is the largest thrasher. It has a distinctive long, decurved beak and a long tail. It is generally deep grayish brown above with olive tones on the tail. It has a grayish buff supercilium, a dark cheek pattern and eye line, and unlike most thrashers, has dark eyes. The underparts are mostly buffy to tawny brown, with the upper breast and flanks a smoky gray. The two subspecies differ only slightly.[3]

Distribution and habitat edit

The nominate subspecies of California thrasher is found from Santa Cruz and Placer counties, California, south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico. T. r. sonomae is found from Trinity and adjoining counties in northern California southwards to the range of the nominate subspecies. There appears to be slight overlap allowing gene flow between them.[3]

The California thrasher is a year round resident of both slopes of the California Coast Ranges and the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. It is only rarely found in the Central Valley between them. Its primary habitat is chaparral. It also inhabits sagebrush, juniper bushland, and riparian and oak woodlands with a dense understory. It is sometimes found in suburban parks and yards that have dense cover. In elevation it ranges generally as high as 1,600 m (5,200 ft) and as high as 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in southern California mountains.[3]

The California thrasher primarily inhabits the great interior valleys of California, where it forages mainly beneath dense and continuous cover. Approximately two-thirds of its foraging activities are conducted on the ground. This bird's range is notably restricted, extending slightly beyond the state of California only towards the south.[5]

Behavior edit

This species' behavior is difficult to observe because it tends to keep hidden in dense cover. In the open it runs swiftly with its tail raised.[3] The California thrasher has a distinct foraging behavior, often seeking food under dense and continuous cover. It primarily forages on the ground, making up approximately two-thirds of its foraging activity.[6]

Feeding edit

The California thrasher forages mostly on the ground, by digging and sweeping leaf litter and soil with its bill. It walks or hops between foraging stops. Its diet in spring is almost exclusively insects and other small invertebrates, to which it adds small soft fruits during the rest of the year. When feeding on fruits it can be in exposed situations, but is often under cover.[7][3] The California thrasher has a distinct foraging behavior characterized by its habit of searching for food beneath dense and continuous cover. A significant portion of its foraging activity, around two-thirds, is conducted on the ground. The bird's choice of foraging grounds reflects its adaptation to the dense shrubbery and undergrowth common in its habitat.[6]

Breeding edit

The California thrasher's core breeding season spans from February into July, though it often begins in January. It often raises two broods. Both sexes build the nest, an open cup of fine twigs and roots lined with finer material such as strips of bark and dried forbs, and placed on a platform of larger twigs. The nest is usually hidden in dense shrubs, typically between 1 and 3 m (3.3 and 9.8 ft) above ground. The clutch size is usually three to four. Both parents incubate the eggs and brood and feed the young. Common raven (Corvus corax) and California scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) are common predators of eggs and nestlings.[3]

 
California thrasher singing

Vocalization edit

The California thrasher is recognized as a "striking and exuberant songster" known for its mimicking capabilities. It imitates many of the species that share its habitat, a trait that has been documented as reflecting a rich vocal repertoire, showcasing a wide range of vocal imitations from other species.[3] Both sexes of the California thrasher engage in singing, typically from elevated and exposed perches, delivering "vigorous and 'cheerful' phrases variously repeated." The species also has a wide variety of calls distinct to its communication.

Furthermore, the California thrasher exhibits a notable sensitivity to song syntax, reacting differently to variations in song structure during playback experiments. This intricate understanding of song structure is believed to play a crucial role in territorial defense.[8]

Known for its diverse vocal repertoire, the California thrasher is capable of mimicking a variety of sounds, showcasing a range of vocal imitations. This bird's vocalization is not only rich but also unique in its sensitivity to song syntax, allowing it to communicate and defend its territory effectively.[8]

 

Songs and calls
Listen to California thrasher on xeno-canto

Ecology edit

The California thrasher occupies a unique ecological niche, characterized by its strong association with dense undergrowth and shrubbery, which provides it with ample foraging opportunities and shelter. Its niche relationships also extend to its interactions with other bird species, forming a distinct part of the Californian fauna.[5] The California thrasher's interactions with other bird species and wildlife within its habitat contribute to the ecological dynamics of the regions it inhabits. Its role as a forager and its territorial behavior have implications for the distribution and behavior of other species within its habitat.

Status edit

The IUCN has assessed the California thrasher as being of Least Concern. It has a very large range, and very large population that has shown only a small decrease in recent decades. Habitat fragmentation and conversion appear to be the largest threats.[1][3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2016). "California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b Gill, F.; Donsker, D.; Rasmussen, P. (July 2021). "IOC World Bird List (v 11.2)". Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cody, M. L. (2020). California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.calthr.01 retrieved July 27, 2021
  4. ^ a b Sgariglia, Erik A.; Burns, Kevin J. (2003). "Phylogeography of the California Thrasher (Toxostoma Redivivum) Based on Nested-Clade Analysis of Mitochondrial-DNA Variation". The Auk. 120 (2): 346–361. doi:10.1093/auk/120.2.346. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  5. ^ a b Grinnell, Joseph (October 1917). "The Niche-Relationships of the California Thrasher". The Auk. 34 (4): 427–433. doi:10.2307/4072271. JSTOR 4072271.
  6. ^ a b Gardner, A. C. (July 1921). "A Kingbird's Unusual Nesting Site". The Auk. 38 (3): 457–458. doi:10.2307/4073774. ISSN 0004-8038. JSTOR 4073774.
  7. ^ "California Thrasher". All About Birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  8. ^ a b Taylor, Charles E.; Brumley, John T.; Hedley, Richard W.; Cody, Martin L. (2017-09-02). "Sensitivity of California Thrashers ( Toxostoma redivivum ) to song syntax". Bioacoustics. 26 (3): 259–270. doi:10.1080/09524622.2016.1274917. ISSN 0952-4622. S2CID 38243632.

Further reading edit

Books edit

  • Cody, M. L. 1998. California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum). In The Birds of North America, No. 323 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Articles edit

  • Academy Of Natural Sciences Of P. (1998). California Thrasher: Toxostoma redivivum. Birds of North America. vol 0, no 323. pp. 1–22.
  • Burns KJ & Barhoum DN. (2006). Population-level history of the wrentit (Chamaea fasciata): Implications for comparative phylogeography in the California Floristic Province. Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution. vol 38, no 1. pp. 117–129.
  • Farnsworth A. (2001). WatchList species as viewed through the Christmas Bird Count database. American Birds. vol 102, pp. 29–31.
  • Pearson OP. (1979). Spacing and Orientation among Feeding Golden-Crowned Sparrows Zonotrichia-Atricapilla. Condor. vol 81, no 3. pp. 278–285.
  • Rich T & Rothstein SI. (1985). Sage Thrashers Oreoscoptes-Montanus Reject Cowbird Molothrus-Ater Eggs. Condor. vol 87, no 4. pp. 561–562.
  • Sgariglia EA & Burns KJ. (2003). Phylogeography of the California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) based on nested-clade analysis of mitochondrial-DNA variation. Auk. vol 120, no 2. pp. 346–361.
  • Winter L. (2004). Trap-neuter-release programs: the reality and the impacts. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. vol 225, no 9. pp. 1369–1376.
  • Zink RM, Dittmann DL, Klicka J & Blackwell-Rago RC. (1999). Evolutionary patterns of morphometrics, allozymes, and mitochondrial DNA in thrashers (genus Toxostoma). Auk. vol 116, no 4. pp. 1021–1038.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to California thrasher.
 
Wikispecies has information related to Toxostoma redivivum.
  • "California thrasher media". Internet Bird Collection.
  • "Toxostoma redivivum". Avibase.  
  • California Thrasher - Toxostoma redivivum - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
  • California thrasher photo gallery at VIREO (Drexel University)
  • - "Birds of San Diego coastal scrub"
  • Interactive range map of Toxostoma redivivum at IUCN Red List maps
  • California thrasher Species Account – Cornell Lab of Ornithology

January 01, 1970
california, thrasher, toxostoma, redivivum, large, member, family, mimidae, found, primarily, chaparral, habitat, california, united, states, baja, california, mexico, only, species, genus, toxostoma, throughout, most, range, california, source, source, song, . The California thrasher Toxostoma redivivum is a large member of family Mimidae found primarily in chaparral habitat in California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico It is the only species of the genus Toxostoma throughout most of its range 2 3 California thrasher In California source source Song Conservation status Least Concern IUCN 3 1 1 Scientific classification Domain Eukaryota Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Aves Order Passeriformes Family Mimidae Genus Toxostoma Species T redivivum Binomial name Toxostoma redivivum Gambel 1845 California thrasher range Contents 1 Taxonomy and systematics 2 Description 3 Distribution and habitat 4 Behavior 4 1 Feeding 4 2 Breeding 4 3 Vocalization 5 Ecology 6 Status 7 References 8 Further reading 8 1 Books 8 2 Articles 9 External linksTaxonomy and systematics editThe California thrasher is closely related to the crissal thrasher Toxostoma crissale and LeConte s thrasher T lecontei and the three may form a superspecies It has two subspecies the nominate T r redivivum and T r sonomae 2 3 The phylogeography of the California thrasher has been explored through a study analyzing mitochondrial DNA variation The distribution of genealogical lineages within the species reflects a complex series of ecological and historical events that have shaped its current geographical distribution 4 Historically the distribution of genealogical lineages within the California thrasher species has been shaped by a complex interplay of ecological and historical events The phylogeographic analysis sheds light on the evolutionary history and the distribution patterns of this bird across its range 4 Description editThe California thrasher is about 32 cm 13 in long and weighs up to 90 g 3 2 oz it is the largest thrasher It has a distinctive long decurved beak and a long tail It is generally deep grayish brown above with olive tones on the tail It has a grayish buff supercilium a dark cheek pattern and eye line and unlike most thrashers has dark eyes The underparts are mostly buffy to tawny brown with the upper breast and flanks a smoky gray The two subspecies differ only slightly 3 Distribution and habitat editThe nominate subspecies of California thrasher is found from Santa Cruz and Placer counties California south into northwestern Baja California Mexico T r sonomae is found from Trinity and adjoining counties in northern California southwards to the range of the nominate subspecies There appears to be slight overlap allowing gene flow between them 3 The California thrasher is a year round resident of both slopes of the California Coast Ranges and the western slope of the Sierra Nevada It is only rarely found in the Central Valley between them Its primary habitat is chaparral It also inhabits sagebrush juniper bushland and riparian and oak woodlands with a dense understory It is sometimes found in suburban parks and yards that have dense cover In elevation it ranges generally as high as 1 600 m 5 200 ft and as high as 2 000 m 6 600 ft in southern California mountains 3 The California thrasher primarily inhabits the great interior valleys of California where it forages mainly beneath dense and continuous cover Approximately two thirds of its foraging activities are conducted on the ground This bird s range is notably restricted extending slightly beyond the state of California only towards the south 5 Behavior editThis species behavior is difficult to observe because it tends to keep hidden in dense cover In the open it runs swiftly with its tail raised 3 The California thrasher has a distinct foraging behavior often seeking food under dense and continuous cover It primarily forages on the ground making up approximately two thirds of its foraging activity 6 Feeding edit The California thrasher forages mostly on the ground by digging and sweeping leaf litter and soil with its bill It walks or hops between foraging stops Its diet in spring is almost exclusively insects and other small invertebrates to which it adds small soft fruits during the rest of the year When feeding on fruits it can be in exposed situations but is often under cover 7 3 The California thrasher has a distinct foraging behavior characterized by its habit of searching for food beneath dense and continuous cover A significant portion of its foraging activity around two thirds is conducted on the ground The bird s choice of foraging grounds reflects its adaptation to the dense shrubbery and undergrowth common in its habitat 6 Breeding editThe California thrasher s core breeding season spans from February into July though it often begins in January It often raises two broods Both sexes build the nest an open cup of fine twigs and roots lined with finer material such as strips of bark and dried forbs and placed on a platform of larger twigs The nest is usually hidden in dense shrubs typically between 1 and 3 m 3 3 and 9 8 ft above ground The clutch size is usually three to four Both parents incubate the eggs and brood and feed the young Common raven Corvus corax and California scrub jay Aphelocoma californica are common predators of eggs and nestlings 3 nbsp California thrasher singing Vocalization edit The California thrasher is recognized as a striking and exuberant songster known for its mimicking capabilities It imitates many of the species that share its habitat a trait that has been documented as reflecting a rich vocal repertoire showcasing a wide range of vocal imitations from other species 3 Both sexes of the California thrasher engage in singing typically from elevated and exposed perches delivering vigorous and cheerful phrases variously repeated The species also has a wide variety of calls distinct to its communication Furthermore the California thrasher exhibits a notable sensitivity to song syntax reacting differently to variations in song structure during playback experiments This intricate understanding of song structure is believed to play a crucial role in territorial defense 8 Known for its diverse vocal repertoire the California thrasher is capable of mimicking a variety of sounds showcasing a range of vocal imitations This bird s vocalization is not only rich but also unique in its sensitivity to song syntax allowing it to communicate and defend its territory effectively 8 nbsp Songs and calls Listen to California thrasher on xeno cantoEcology editThe California thrasher occupies a unique ecological niche characterized by its strong association with dense undergrowth and shrubbery which provides it with ample foraging opportunities and shelter Its niche relationships also extend to its interactions with other bird species forming a distinct part of the Californian fauna 5 The California thrasher s interactions with other bird species and wildlife within its habitat contribute to the ecological dynamics of the regions it inhabits Its role as a forager and its territorial behavior have implications for the distribution and behavior of other species within its habitat Status editThe IUCN has assessed the California thrasher as being of Least Concern It has a very large range and very large population that has shown only a small decrease in recent decades Habitat fragmentation and conversion appear to be the largest threats 1 3 References edit a b BirdLife International 2016 California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 Retrieved 27 July 2021 a b Gill F Donsker D Rasmussen P July 2021 IOC World Bird List v 11 2 Retrieved July 14 2021 a b c d e f g h i j Cody M L 2020 California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum version 1 0 In Birds of the World A F Poole Editor Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ithaca NY USA https doi org 10 2173 bow calthr 01 retrieved July 27 2021 a b Sgariglia Erik A Burns Kevin J 2003 Phylogeography of the California Thrasher Toxostoma Redivivum Based on Nested Clade Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Variation The Auk 120 2 346 361 doi 10 1093 auk 120 2 346 Retrieved 2023 10 25 a b Grinnell Joseph October 1917 The Niche Relationships of the California Thrasher The Auk 34 4 427 433 doi 10 2307 4072271 JSTOR 4072271 a b Gardner A C July 1921 A Kingbird s Unusual Nesting Site The Auk 38 3 457 458 doi 10 2307 4073774 ISSN 0004 8038 JSTOR 4073774 California Thrasher All About Birds Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved 29 September 2020 a b Taylor Charles E Brumley John T Hedley Richard W Cody Martin L 2017 09 02 Sensitivity of California Thrashers Toxostoma redivivum to song syntax Bioacoustics 26 3 259 270 doi 10 1080 09524622 2016 1274917 ISSN 0952 4622 S2CID 38243632 Further reading editBooks edit Cody M L 1998 California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum In The Birds of North America No 323 A Poole and F Gill eds The Birds of North America Inc Philadelphia PA Articles edit Academy Of Natural Sciences Of P 1998 California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum Birds of North America vol 0 no 323 pp 1 22 Burns KJ amp Barhoum DN 2006 Population level history of the wrentit Chamaea fasciata Implications for comparative phylogeography in the California Floristic Province Molecular Phylogenetics amp Evolution vol 38 no 1 pp 117 129 Farnsworth A 2001 WatchList species as viewed through the Christmas Bird Count database American Birds vol 102 pp 29 31 Pearson OP 1979 Spacing and Orientation among Feeding Golden Crowned Sparrows Zonotrichia Atricapilla Condor vol 81 no 3 pp 278 285 Rich T amp Rothstein SI 1985 Sage Thrashers Oreoscoptes Montanus Reject Cowbird Molothrus Ater Eggs Condor vol 87 no 4 pp 561 562 Sgariglia EA amp Burns KJ 2003 Phylogeography of the California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum based on nested clade analysis of mitochondrial DNA variation Auk vol 120 no 2 pp 346 361 Winter L 2004 Trap neuter release programs the reality and the impacts Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association vol 225 no 9 pp 1369 1376 Zink RM Dittmann DL Klicka J amp Blackwell Rago RC 1999 Evolutionary patterns of morphometrics allozymes and mitochondrial DNA in thrashers genus Toxostoma Auk vol 116 no 4 pp 1021 1038 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to California thrasher nbsp Wikispecies has information related to Toxostoma redivivum California thrasher media Internet Bird Collection Toxostoma redivivum Avibase nbsp California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter California thrasher photo gallery at VIREO Drexel University California Thrasher Photo Birds of San Diego coastal scrub Interactive range map of Toxostoma redivivum at IUCN Red List maps California thrasher Species Account Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title California thrasher amp oldid 1214071768, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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