Long-billed Thrasher – Laguna Atascosa, TX

The Long-billed Thrasher we saw at Laguna Atascosa, stands out with its curved bill, bright orange eye, and bold spotted underparts. This species favors dense thornscrub, where it forages on the ground for insects and berries using its long bill. Its varied song often carries across South Texas brushlands, making it easier to detect than to see. A cool fact: Being part of the mimid family, the Long-billed Thrasher can mimic other bird species. This adds complexity to their vocalizations and makes you wonder where the other birds you can hear but not see. Laguna Atascosa remains one of the best places in the United States to reliably observe this range-restricted species. This is why so many birders head to the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.