BROWN THRASHER
SR

The name "thrush" is frequently misapplied to this popular bird. The reason for the misnomer is apparent when one considers that many of the true thrushes do show much brown in their plumage together with a speckled breast. The resemblance ends when one takes a second look and compares the long tail and beak of the relatively thin thrasher against the smaller and more stubby thrushes.

The brown thrasher is a bird of thickets and undergrowth, generally moving quickly across open spots in the terrain. It is eleven inches in length and handsome in a rich brown coat and cream vest that is heavily splotched.

Brown thrashers are good singers, ranking second only to the mockingbird. They delight in perching high in a tree where they explode in beautiful song. Like wrens, they nervously twitch their long tails, particularly when upset or nervous.

The bulky nest of thrashers is usually placed in heavy growth like honeysuckle or bramble briars. Low to the ground, the nest is made of heavy twigs, small vines and particles of bark. Eggs numbering three to five range in color from pale green to buff and are heavily speckled with reddish-brown spots.


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