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Brown Thrasher
Contour (body feather, likely from the back or flank)

Brown Thrasher

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Mimidae, Genus: Toxostoma, Species: T. rufum

Family: Mimidae (Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Tremblers)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, overall elongated and gently tapering shape.
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized passerine body contour feather.
Rarity
Common
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Description

The Brown Thrasher is a large, slender mimic thrush with bright rufous upperparts, heavily streaked underparts, long tail, and striking yellow eyes. Known for its rich, varied song consisting of repeated melodic phrases.

Colour & Pattern

Rich, warm reddish-brown (rufous) across the distal portion, lightening toward a grayish-white, fluffy base with a pale yellowish-white central rachis.

Barb Structure

Pennaceous at the upper tip transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) near the base. Barbs are mostly intact with slight fraying on one side.

Texture & Surface

Soft, silky, and relatively flexible with a matte finish typical of passerine contour feathers.

Key Features

Uniform bright rufous-brown upper plumage coloration combined with a flexible, medium-sized contour feather structure and fluffy grayish base.

Habitat

Dense brush, thickets, scrub, forest edges, overgrown fields, and suburban gardens with heavy shrubbery.

Geographic Range

Eastern and central North America, extending south to Florida, year-round resident in the southern part of its range.

Ecological Role

Acts as an important insect predator and seed disperser in understory ecosystems, scratching vigorously through leaf litter.

Similar Species

Wood Thrush or Hermit Thrush, which share similar rufous tones but differ subtly in patterning and feather texture.

Interesting Facts

The Brown Thrasher has the largest repertoire of any North American songbird, capable of singing over 1,100 distinct song types.

Condition Notes

Good condition with minor wear along the edges of the vane, showing light fading from sun exposure.

Notes

South Florida