Clay-colored Thrush, Turdus grayi

Clay-colored Thrush, Turdus grayi. Photographs taken in the coastal region of Costa Rica, February 2016 and February 2023. Photographs courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

Background and Identification

The Clay-colored Thrush, Turdus grayi, is a member of the Turdidae Family of Thrushes and Allies. Ornithologists recognize nine subspecies, all with slight geographical and characteristic variation. This species is common throughout its geographical range and is easily observed by scientists. Within their habitats, they consume earthworms, insect larvae and adults, lizards, slugs, and seasonal fruits. The Clay-colored Thrush is the national bird of Costa Rica, celebrated for its beautiful song. In Mexico, they are known as Zorzal Pardo.

They are mid-sized in stature for a thrush, with an average mass of 74 g (2.6 oz) to 76 g (2.7 oz). This species is sexually monomorphic, which means that males and females have a similar appearance and size, and are difficult to distinguish in the field. The plumage of the Clay-colored Thrush is uniform dull or clay-colored brown. Upperparts are slightly darker and can be olive colored. Bill is greenish-yellow.

Habitat and Geographical Range

This thrush is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including lowland forests, woodland edges, gardens, and urban areas. They are often found near humans and prefer grassy areas to forage for worms and other insects.

The Clay-colored Thrush inhabits a wide geographical range in central and South America and stretches slightly into southern Texas in the most northern parts of its range. Populations are present in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, down to Colombia and Venezuela. In Mexico, they are found in the coastal regions within the Atlantic Slope from Tampico, Tamaulipas to Belize, and along the Pacific Slope in the States of Oaxaca and Chiapas at elevations below 2,800 m (9,200 feet).

Common Misidentifications

The Clay-colored Thrush can be confused with other thrush species in its range, particularly the White-throated Thrush, Turdus assimilis, and the Black-billed Thrush, Turdus ignobilis. However, the Clay-colored Thrush can be distinguished by its uniform brownish coloration and lack of distinctive markings within its plumage, which sets it apart from the more contrasting plumage of these other species. Its habitat preferences and vocalizations can help in correctly identifying it as well, as the Clay-colored Thrush’s song is often louder and more musical compared to the harsher-sounding calls of similar species.

Conservation Perspective

From a conservation perspective, the Clay-colored Thrush is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. It is one of the more common thrush species within its range and has adapted well to living in areas with high human population density. Despite its stable status, habitat destruction and changes in land use could pose future threats to its population. Conservation efforts should focus on maintaining forested areas and promoting biodiversity in areas of high human traffic.