Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Long-billed Thrasher -- Toxostoma longirostre

RANGE: Resident in southern Texas and eastern Mexico. Accidental in western Texas.

STATUS: Abundant within its range.

HABITAT: Inhabits the brush country of southern Texas, especially dense mesquite. Also found among bottomland willow, huisache, condalia, and various other shrubs.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Dense shrubs.

NEST: Nests in pricklypear, yucca, mesquite, or other shrubby plants, usually 4 to 8 feet above the ground, and near the center of the plant.

FOOD: Uncovers food in debris on the ground and in loose soil; mostly eats antlions, ants, beetles, bugs, termites, spiders, and hackberries.

REFERENCES: Cottam and Knappen 1939, Kaufman in Farrand 1983c, Oberholser 1974b, Terres 1980.

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