Curve-billed or Bendire's Arizona (1 Viewer)

zoutedrop

zoutedrop

• Aug 12, 2017

• #1

Hi all,

Taken this week SW of Phoenix.

Bendire's or Curve-billed Thrasher?

 

Attachments

• 
  JV8A0783_20170808_065333 LETH.jpg

  384.9 KB · Views: 112

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Aug 12, 2017

• #2

With that long tail, I'd go with Bendire's

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Aug 12, 2017

• #3

Bendire's for me too

 

J

Jim M.

Member since 2007

Supporter

• Aug 12, 2017

• #4

KC Foggin said:

With that long tail, I'd go with Bendire's

Click to expand...

What's the basis for thinking tail length is a means for distinguishing the two species? Checked three guides, and none of them mentioned it. Sibley's mentions Curve-billed has a "relatively short tail" that may help to distinguish it from other thrashers-except Bendire's. So just asking.

 

Lisa W

I really need to get out and bird more

Staff member

Supporter

• Aug 12, 2017

• #5

If this were an adult Curve-billed the beak would be longer and distinctly curved; also the breast spots (triangular) would be much more pronounced, and the bill would be dark all along this one shows pale at the under based. I've only seen Bendire's a couple of times, Curve-billed were a yard bird for me. My vote is Bendire's.