California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum)

This shy terrestrial species usually remains hidden in the Chaparral except when singing as was the case here. Both males and females sing and mimic other species in their songs Two subspecies are currently recognized. This is the larger darker more northerly T. r. sonomae characterized by warmer brown upperparts and buff throat. It is the largest of the world's thrashers and has a range restricted to California and Baja.