GENERAL ACCOUNTS OF SOME BIRDS OF THE REGION. 



PALMER THRASHER. 

 Toxostoma curvirostre palmeri (Coues). 



Recognition marks. Bulk about that of a robin ; about 11 inches 

 long. Color, pale grayish-brown, obscurely spotted on the breast; 

 no distinctive markings that are readily apparent in the living bird. 

 Short, rounded wings ; long tail ; slightly curved bill. 



Occurrence. Arizona is apparently the headquarters of the 

 thrasher family, for whereas in most parts of the United States 

 there is but a single species in any one region, the Arizona valleys 

 contain six of more or less common occurrence, while a seventh (the 

 eastern brown thrasher) has reached the State upon at least one 

 occasion. 



The Palmer thrasher is by far the most common of the Arizona 

 thrashers, and of most general distribution. It is one of the most 

 characteristic birds of the Papago Saguaro Monument. About 

 Phoenix and Tempe it is, perhaps, the most abundant single species 

 of bird, and it even ventures into the towns where sheltering brush 

 piles or thickets remain in vacant lots or along roadsides. Culti- 

 vated farm lands hold little attraction for the thrasher, however, 

 and it is rarely seen about such places. 



The general appearance of the Palmer thrasher is of a plain, earth- 

 colored bird, with no striking feature of form or color to aid in 

 identification. As it flies the whitish colored tips to the tail feathers 

 can sometimes be seen, but it is seldom that the obscure mottling on 

 the breast can be made out without the aid of field glasses. In size, 

 color, shape, and manner of flight, the features most apparent to 

 the field observer, the Palmer thrasher is closely similar to the Ben- 

 dire and crissal thrashers, and the Abert and Canyon towhees, with 

 any of which species it is frequently associated. 



From the towhees the thrasher may be distinguished at a reason- 

 able distance by its long, curved bill, as well as by certain manner- 

 isms, soon learned through observation. The squealing, chattering 

 call notes of the towhees are also quite different from any sound the 

 thrasher produces. The crissal thrasher is slightly darker colored, 

 with no spotting on the breast, and of more slender build. This 

 species occurs in the general region traversed by the Apache Trail, 

 though I did not meet with it myself. Despite their superficial re- 



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