About Toxostoma cinereum (Xantus de Vesey, 1860)
The gray thrasher (Toxostoma cinereum) measures between 21.4 and 25.0 cm (8.4 to 9.8 inches) in total length. Four males of the species weighed between 58.6 and 69.8 g (2.07 to 2.46 ounces), while a single female weighed 54.4 g (1.92 ounces). The species is gray-brown across its upperparts, with cinnamon-colored tones on the rump. Its underparts are white and marked with arrow-shaped black spots. The outer feathers of its tail have white tips, and its eyes are golden yellow. The recognized subspecies are generally similar in appearance, though the subspecies T. c. mearnsi is somewhat darker overall than the nominate subspecies. The gray thrasher is primarily found only in Baja California, Mexico. Its overall range stretches from approximately 31°14' north latitude down to the southern tip of the peninsula. On the eastern side of the peninsula, the species only occurs as far north as approximately 28° north latitude. There is one confirmed record of the species from Famosa Slough, in San Diego County, California. The subspecies T. c. mearnsi occupies roughly the northern half of the species' total range, while the nominate subspecies occupies the southern half. The gray thrasher lives in arid and semi-arid landscapes, most of which are open to semi-open areas that contain cacti, scrub, or scattered bushes and trees. Its elevation range extends from sea level up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
