Sage Thrasher -- South Dakota Birds

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

The aptly named Sage Thrasher is indeed a denizen of sagebrush habitats, and is rarely found outside that habitat during the summer breeding season.  They are restricted to the extreme western edge of South Dakota in the few remaining areas of suitable sagebrush found in the state.  Extremely shy birds, they are likely to move into dense cover or to run away under the sagebrush canopy when approached.  

Habitat: Breeds almost exclusively in sagebrush habitats.  Can be found in other brushy or semi-open habitats in winter and in migration, especially in areas where berries are readily available.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects in summer months in South Dakota, especially grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. Will also feed on fruits and berries, especially in the winter.  

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Repeated clear warbling phrases. 

Migrations: Summers throughout sagebrush habitat in the western United States.  Migrates southward in the winter to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Similar Species: Curve-billed Thrasher.  Possibly confused with juvenile Northern Mockingbirds.  

Status: Like other species dependent upon sagebrush habitats, their numbers have diminished with the clearing and conversion of sagebrush habitats to rangeland or other land cover types.  

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Sage Thrasher

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Sage Thrasher

3) eNature.com: Sage Thrasher

Photo Information: Out-of-state photo: June, 2002 -- Southwestern Idaho -- Larry Barnes

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08