This desert thrasher can be confused with the larger and more common Curve-billed Thrasher. Like most thrashers, Bendire's is long-tailed and short-winged. The upperparts are a uniform buffy gray-brown. The tail is slightly darker with small pale tips on the outer tail feathers. Compared to most other thrashers, the bill is fairly short. The upper mandible is slightly decurved. The lower mandible appears straight, and is pale at the base. The underparts are buffy brown, fading to white on the belly. In fresh plumage, the upper breast and sides are marked with small triangular spots. The eye is usually pale yellow or light orange-yellow. Juveniles show light buffy wing bars and thin streaks on the breast. These birds may be very similar to juvenile Curve-billed Thrashers.

Length: 23 (cm) Wingspan: 33 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a long series of warbling phrases, each repeated two or three times. Call is a dull chuk.

Habitat:

Grassland, open scrub.

Behavior:

Unless singing from an exposed perch, usually inconspicuous.

Feeding:

Probes for insects on the ground or in low vegetation.