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Bendire's Thrasher
Toxostoma bendirei
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G4
State (S-rank): S1
External links
Species range
The Bendire's thrasher ranges from northwest Mexico to southern Utah and from central New Mexico to southeast California (England and Laudenslayer 1993, Parrish et al 2002). It breeds in these areas, including Utah, from early spring to late summer (approximately March through August) (England and Laudenslayer 1993, Utah Birds), and winters in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and Mexico, where it resides year-round. Its distribution is patchy, found in sparse deserts and shrublands. Utah records (1927-2018) are mainly in Washington and Iron Counties, but sightings extend north to the Uinta Basin and Tooele County, and east to Rio Mesa and Monticello (eBird, Utah Birds).
Habitat
Breeding occurs in open sagebrush and sagebrush-juniper habitat (England and Laudenslayer 1993).
Ecology
This southwest desert species prefers sparsely vegetated low scrub habitats, and occasionally open grassland or woodland with scattered shrubs or trees (England and Laudenslayer 1993, Parrish et al 2002). It typically nests in the lower parts of spiny shrubs (Ehrlich et al 1988) and eats insects and small fruits found on the ground or low branches (England and Laudenslayer 1993). While not common in dense areas like riparian corridors, they may occupy the edges. Diet is dominated by insects, with fruit and seeds taken less often (Bent, 1948).
Threats or limiting factors
Threat assessments are needed due to the species' poor understanding (Arizona Game and Fish Department 2012). Some sources suggest urban and agricultural expansion destroys habitat, displacing the bird, while others note its ability to exist alongside such development (England and Laudenslayer 1993). Potential threats include urban development, improper grazing, solar and wind facility development, OHV usage, and accelerated fire regimes from invasive grasses.
