Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyMimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
- GenusOreoscoptes
- SpeciesOreoscoptes montanus (Sage Thrasher)
About the Sage Thrasher
The sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) is a medium-sized passerine bird in the family Mimidae. It is the only species in the genus Oreoscoptes and the smallest of the thrashers. It is found in the regions of western North America, breeding from the Great Basin to southern British Columbia, and migrates south to southern United States and northern Mexico for winter. Sage thrashers are commonly found in shrubsteppe habitat and are strongly associated with sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) for which it relies on for nesting.
The sage thrasher is a medium-sized passerine, measuring 20.0-23.0 cm in length and weighing 39.6-50.3g. Its eyes are distinctive ranging from lemon-yellow to amber coloration. Juveniles have paler upperparts and lightly streaked underparts compare to the adults. Adults display brownish-gray upperparts and white underparts marked with dark streaks. Plumage remains relatively similar throughout the year. Sage thrasher can be distinguished from other thrashers by its shorter and less curved bill, shorter tail and smaller size.
The species was first described by the ornithologist John Kirk Townsend in 1837 and was given the name of "mountain... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Sage Thrasher in Death Valley National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Death Valley National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico | |
| 3 | Yosemite National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Sage Thrasher in Death Valley National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Sage Thrasher sighting in Death Valley National Park, based on 90 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Sage Thrasher in Death Valley National Park?
March has the highest sighting rate for Sage Thrasher in Death Valley National Park in our monthly data.