Watercolor portrait of Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre
Common Rich desert carol

Learn to identify the Curve-billed Thrasher by ear. Master the "wheet-wheet, chewida-chewida-chew!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“wheet-wheet, chewida-chewida-chew!”

What the Curve-billed Thrasher sounds like

This big desert songbird looks built for attitude. It wears sandy brown feathers, bold chest spots, a long tail, and a strongly curved bill — but the real giveaway is its glowing orange-yellow eye.

“wheet-wheet, chewida-chewida-chew!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, varied series of whistles, trills, and chatty phrases. It sounds bright and musical, often delivered from a cactus top or rooftop. Often written as “wheet-wheet, chewida-chewida-chew!”.
Don't confuse with:The Bendire's Thrasher — has a shorter, less strongly curved bill.

Where you'll hear it

Curve-billed Thrashers live year-round across the southwestern U.S. and much of northern and central Mexico. Most stay close to home instead of migrating.

Look for it in dry country with cactus, mesquite, thorny scrub, and desert neighborhoods. It likes open ground for feeding and spiky cover for nesting.

They are easiest to notice in spring, when males sing from rooftops, cactus tops, and utility poles. In every season, watch for them running across the ground with tail slightly cocked and bill pointed down.

Similar species

Bendire's Thrasher

Has a shorter, less strongly curved bill.

Crissal Thrasher

Has a longer tail and much plainer breast with little to no spotting.

Sage Thrasher

Slimmer and paler overall, with a straighter bill.

Curve-billed Thrasher song FAQ

What does a Curve-billed Thrasher sound like?
A loud, varied series of whistles, trills, and chatty phrases. It sounds bright and musical, often delivered from a cactus top or rooftop. Listen for the "wheet-wheet, chewida-chewida-chew!" phrase.
How do I tell a Curve-billed Thrasher from a Bendire's Thrasher by sound?
Bendire's Thrasher: Has a shorter, less strongly curved bill.; Usually shows plainer underparts with fewer, finer spots.; Often looks softer-faced and less bold-eyed than Curve-billed Thrasher..
When is the best time to hear a Curve-billed Thrasher?
They are easiest to notice in spring, when males sing from rooftops, cactus tops, and utility poles. In every season, watch for them running across the ground with tail slightly cocked and bill pointed down.