Introducing the Brown Thrasher (the official State Bird of Georgia)

An adult Brown Thrasher perched on a bowl of mealworms

Introducing the Brown Thrasher: The Melodic Mimics of the Southeast

The Brown Thrasher, known for its rich, melodious song and striking appearance, is a captivating bird found throughout the Southeastern United States. This elusive yet enchanting bird offers birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts a delightful experience.

an adult Brown Thrasher pictured visiting our composite Suet Feeder

Brown Thrasher Identification and Appearance:

Brown Thrashers are medium-sized birds with a distinctive reddish-brown upper body and streaked underparts. They have a very slightly curved bill and mature adults have piercing yellow eyes that give them a fierce expression. Their long tails and strong legs are perfect for ground foraging, where they spend much of their time searching for insects and other small prey.

A close-up photo of an adult Brown Thrasher and it's bright yellow eyes

Brown Thrasher Habitat and Behavior:

Preferring dense shrubs and thickets, Brown Thrashers are often found in gardens, woodlands, and hedgerows. They are skilled mimics, capable of imitating the calls of other bird species, making their songs a complex and varied composition. These birds are generally solitary and can be quite secretive, often heard more than seen. However, we often see 2 of them feeding in close proximity of each other, and sometimes one will give chase to the other!

A Juvenile Brown Thrasher cooling off in a bird bath

Brown Thrasher Feeding Habits:

Brown Thrashers have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and nuts. To attract these birds to your backyard, consider setting up a bird feeder with a mix of seeds and suet, and plant native berry-producing shrubs. Providing a water source, like a bird bath, can also help entice them.

A juvenile Brown Thrasher foraging for insects

Brown Thrasher Breeding and Nesting:

During the breeding season, which typically spans from April to July, Brown Thrashers build their nests in dense shrubs or low trees. They lay 3-5 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating. The young fledge after about two weeks, and the parents may raise two broods per season.

A brown thrasher perches for a photograph

Conservation Status:

Brown Thrashers are currently not considered threatened, but their populations can be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. Planting native shrubs and maintaining a bird-friendly backyard can help support these beautiful birds.

Bird Watching Tips To maximize your chances of spotting Brown Thrashers, listen for their varied songs early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Keep an eye on dense shrubbery and ground-level foliage, where they are most likely to be foraging.

A Brown Thrasher perches on the ground in Winter

Enhance Your Birding Experience

• Bird Feeder: Composite Suet Feeder

• C&S Suet Cakes (we recommend these for Woodpeckers, Thrashers and more!)

• C&S Suet Nuggets (I've seen our resident Brown Thrashers feasting on these many times)

• Hatortempt Dried Mealworms (Best value in the 10lb bag!)
  

• Field Guide: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America

References

• Audubon Guide to North American Birds

• All About Birds - Brown Thrasher

• Bird Watching Academy - Brown Thrasher

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