curve billed curve billed medium sized member genus native southwestern united_states mexico referred default desert bird non migratory species subspecies classified consensus number believed played major role variations curve billed shares striking similarities appearance member recognized grey color shaped bill generally resides desert regions united_states mexico inhabit areas populated humans demeanor curve billed described shy wild allows humans view closely aggressive driving potential threats competitors food predators chicks curve billed species extent variety distinctive songs extensive repertoire melodies led known mexico taxonomy species named subspecies recognized divided branches genetic research indicated curve billed sister species clade consisting brown long billed contrasts earlier suggestion curve billed closest relatives subspecies eastern law generally ranges texas ranges central south central mexico veracruz plateau range spans colorado kansas extreme arizona new mexico texas western located islands coast nelson spotted found located range arizona species representative western species suggested variations considered different species proposal elevated species status eastern representing eastern curve billed description curve billed generally measures long immediately recognized long tail short wings recognized shaped bill long head width brownish black color body compact large head short wings long tail tail short relative species chest grayish brown circular brown gray spots eyes generally orange golden adulthood juveniles lacking pale tips abdominal feathers upper parts chest washed variations markedly different subspecies eastern subspecies distinct spots chest white tips obvious wing bars spotting chest tips obvious wing bars examples include possessing longer wings tail paler grey visible spotting breast study published suggested curve billed climate explained feather wear study suggested acts barrier initiate species similar species coloration similar birds easily mistaken bill curve billed black paler lower showing dark grey basal area feature stark contrast upper lower curve billed curved upper curved lower essentially straight geographic curve billed breast patterns difficult curve billed tendency display larger spots overall breast contrast smaller pronounced markings shaped like curve billed present feature typically yellow eyes curve billed eyes typically orange variations appear yellow orange curve billed eyes red orange yellow orange yellow curve billed heavier likely inhabit suburban regions likely avoid dense vegetation prefers open grassland scattered agricultural areas song said melodic continuous curve billed known calls aforementioned differences streaks breast bill shape eye color prominent juveniles species habitat range curve billed commonly found southwestern united_states arizona new_mexico west texas southeastern colorado southwestern kansas mexico south inland coast found bordering states range far north alberta far east florida types spotted florida found iowa occasions previously noted exceptions curve billed essentially non comparison desert curve billed particular habitats found ground level generally resides bushes prevalent located woodland edges dry desert areas region present adequate desert vegetation near human curve billed adapt environments behavior curve billed generally found running rapidly cover cover flying near ground level bush bush bird shy open generally ground level aggressive routing potential competitors food dove round tailed ground usually destroy nest voice song distinctive voice curve billed abrupt sounds akin person attention usually high songs similar northern notes end abruptly voice regarded pleasant curve billed utter songs times length spanning seconds phrases nasal large vocabulary enables successive songs usually different capable mimicking species including tailed northern cardinal instance black headed mating recorded case courtship behavior involving curve billed describes males attacking vigorously sounds bird appeared males female continued alternate fighting victor flew female breeding curve billed breeding season begins february reaches apex march new recorded late august dates vary range temperature rainfall nests generally built conspicuous locations favored potential nesting sites range pear occasional oak pine trees nest generally deep cup flat depression eggs outer layer consists twigs inner layer includes smooth sticks roots coarse fine grasses hair sexes build nest building periods brief days long weeks egg count differs location number low high egg color varies appear bluish green pale yellowish blue spotted reddish brown sexes female mainly responsible sole provider brooding curve billed parents defend nests species snakes frequent predators eggs curved billed rarely victims nest situations food scarce parents feed older period ranges days diet curve billed diet includes invertebrates beetles butterflies eats vegetable matter fruits pear plants curve billed spotted eating dog food feed chicks
Curve-billed thrasher