Identification
The only thrasher in most of eastern North America. Fairly large and very long-tailed, with bright rufous upperparts and heavily streaked underparts. Also note white wingbars, staring yellow eyes, and slightly decurved bill. Usually skulky and difficult to see in shrubby habitats, especially second-growth woodland, thickets, and forest edge. Listen for its loud song, a long series of paired phrases, often containing mimicry of other species. Most similar to Long-billed Thrasher, but almost no range overlap. Brown Thrasher is brighter rufous above and lacks the contrasting gray face of Long-billed.