Fairly common on the mainland, but this species seems to be absent from South Padre and the coastal barrier islands. Two subspecies groups have been proposed as separate species because their vocalizations, genetics and appearances differ, but thus far the AOS has declined to approve such a split pending further research on hybridization in their contact zone in Southern Arizona. This is a member of the Chihuahuan Desert ("L. c. curvirostre") Group. Compared to the Sonoran Desert birds ("T. c. palmeri" Group) it has paler underparts, more contrasting ventral spotting with the breast spots clustering in the middle, and larger white tail spots. Note also the sharp contrast between the white throat and the breast. In the Sonoran group this transition is more blended. Birds in this part of Texas are "T. c. oberholseri".
