From Opus

Toxostoma rufum

Photographed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina by KC Foggin

[edit] Identification

L. 29 cm (11.5 inches)

• Brown or reddish-brown above
• White breast
• Throat streaked with brown
• Two white wing bars
• Long tail
• Relatively large and curved bill

[edit] Distribution

Its breeding range includes the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a partial migrant, with northern birds wintering in the southern USA, where it occurs throughout the year. There is a single British record of this unlikely transatlantic vagrant.

[edit] Taxonomy

Polytypic. Consists of two subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

This bird is usually seen scratching around in leaf litter on the ground or flitting around in thick, tangles of bushes/vines. However during the breeding season they tend to seek out the highest branches at the very top of a tree to sing their double-phrases territorial song. At these times they are very conspicuous.

[edit] Behaviour

Retiring type that prefers thickets and heavy brush, often searching for food in dry leaves on the ground. In fact, it is more likely to be heard than seen, not only because of the rattling of leaves, but also because of its call

[edit] Diet

Omnivorous, eating insects, berries, nuts and seeds, as well as earthworms, snails and sometimes lizards.

[edit] Vocalisation

Call: A sharp lip-smacking type sound.

[edit] External Links