The Clay-colored Thrush is a thrush species primarily found in Mexico. In the United States they are known from many sightings in southern Texas. The species appears to be expanding their range to the north, and sightings have become increasingly common in Texas. Most United States sightings are of birds in the winter, but Clay-colored Thrush are increasingly found as breeding birds in southern Texas. They were formerly called "Clay-colored Robin".
Habitat
.Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including forest clearings and edges, second-growth forest, open woodlands, riparian areas, and scattered groves of trees. They have adapted extremely well to a human presence, and are a very common sight in suburban areas and parks.
Diet
The Clay-colored Thrush feeds on a wide variety of fruits, berries, insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates. Fruits often make up a large portion of the diet, especially outside the breeding season, while insects, caterpillars, beetles, ants, and earthworms become particularly important when adults are feeding nestlings.
Behavior
Foraging often occurs on the ground, particularly when they are feeding on insects and other invertebrates. However, they may also feed in the forest canopy, particularly when feeding on fruits.
Nesting
The nest is a cup built of grasses, moss, leaves, rootlets, and other fine material, typically found together with mud. The nest is placed in a shrub or tree, but in urban areas may also be placed on a man-made structure. The female lays between 2 and 4 eggs, and she alone incubates them. The eggs hatch after about 2 weeks, with both parents helping to raise the young. The young fledge about 2 weeks after hatching.
Song
The Clay-colored Thrush is known for its rich, melodious song composed of clear whistled phrases, flutelike notes, and varied musical sequences. Males often sing from exposed perches in trees, especially at dawn and during the breeding season. Calls include sharp chuck notes, scolds, and alarm calls used in territorial and social interactions.
Migration
The Clay-colored Thrush is largely nonmigratory throughout most of its range. It occurs year-round from eastern Mexico through Central America into northwestern South America, although some populations may make local seasonal movements in response to rainfall, fruit availability, or breeding conditions. Unlike many North American thrushes, it does not undertake long-distance continental migrations.
Feeders
They will occasionally attend feeders for offered fruits.
Similar Species
For vagrants found in southern Texas, they are most likely to be confused with American Robin , primarily because of overall structure; plumage differences are obvious. They could also be confused with Rufous-backed Robin , another vagrant from Mexico that is occasionally found in southern Texas.
Conservation Status
The Clay-colored Thrush is considered a species of low conservation concern, with a large and widespread population across Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America. It adapts well to a variety of habitats, including forests, forest edges, gardens, parks, agricultural areas, and suburban landscapes. Because of its broad distribution and apparent population stability, the species is not currently considered threatened, although local habitat changes can affect populations in some areas. The IUCN lists the Clay-colored Thrush as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
Photo by Alan Schmierer - November 6th, 2013 - Mission, Texas - Public Domain photo
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the interactive eBird species sightings page for Clay-colored Thrush
