This is the only species of thrasher expected east of the Great Plains. Upperparts are bright rufous overall, except for the grayish face. The tail is very long, and the wing coverts create two white wing bars. The bill is heavy and only slightly decurved. Eye color ranges from yellow to yellow-orange. The underparts are whitish to pale buff, with rows of oblong spots forming dark brown streaking on the breast, belly, and flanks. The undertail coverts are generally unmarked. Eastern birds show heavier streaking on the underparts than birds in the Great Plains. In Texas, the very similar Long-billed Thrasher is darker brown above, whiter below, with heavier black streaking on the underparts, including the undertail coverts. Brown Thrasher has a longer primary projection than Long-billed.

Length: 24 (cm) Wingspan: 32 (cm)

Voice:

The song is long and varied, but always occurs in short phrases, each repeated two or three times. Call is a harsh chak.

Habitat:

Brushy areas in deciduous forest, forest edge, hedgerows, riparian corridors.

Behavior:

Usually found in thick cover. Males will sing from high exposed perches.

Feeding:

Forages on the ground by sweeping leaf litter aside with its bill. Feeds on insects, fruit, seeds.