Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 170,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through urbanisation and large scale agriculture appear to be the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Slow choppy phrases of semi-musical thrush-like whistles and chattering calls.
Bendire's Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) [XC703925]
by Lauren Harter from S Sagittarius St, Eloy, Pinal County, Arizona, United States (song)
Bendire's Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) [XC231466]
by Scott Olmstead from Sulphur springs valley, AZ, United States (song)
Subspecies
Thought most closely related to, and forming a superspecies with, Grey Thrasher (Toxostoma cinereum). Validity of subspecies has been questioned, as these based on plumage differences that may have a seasonal component (through wear).
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
bendirei (Coues, 1873) - Breeds south-eastern USA (southern from south-eastern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah and southern Colorado) south to north-western Mexico (northern Sonora).
candidum van Rossem, 1942 - West-central Sonora (Mexico).
rubricatum van Rossem, 1942 - Interior southern Sonora.
Similar Species
Differs from similar Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) by its smaller size; shorter, straighter bill; paler, yellow iris; small triangular (not round) spots on breast; buffy (not dark) malar; and buff-brown (not grayish) flanks.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet