Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

eBird describes the Clay-colored Thrush like this:  Drab, uniformly brown thrush with slightly warmer belly. Dull yellowish bill and very faint streaks on throat. Very common and widespread throughout Central America; limited U.S. range. Found in a variety of shrubby wooded habitats, towns, and parks. Unique color and blandness makes this rarity unlikely to be confused with other species. Tends to stay on the ground or in low vegetation, either singly or in pairs. Song is a varied series of phrases similar to a mockingbird.

I met my first Clay-colored Thrush on the morning of Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen, Texas.  As the above description indicates, he was a pretty bland bird, but I am glad I got to add him to my life list and watch him for a while!  To see details of the trip that included my visit to Quinta Mazatlan, look here.

On the late afternoon of Saturday, January 14, 2023, I stopped at the Brooks County Safety Rest Area (aka Falfurrias Rest Stop) on the way home from a visit to Harlingen to have lunch with Teddy Reiser at the Marine Military Academy.  I didn’t see a lot of birds, but I enjoyed watching a Clay-colored Thrush patrolling the water feature and chasing away any and all comers, including a much larger Inca Dove.  I enjoyed watching this feisty bird!