Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Brown Thrasher

The brown thrasher, a close relative of the mockingbird, is often admired for its melodious song. Males and females are similar with brown upper bodies and white undersides with brown stripes. Brown thrashers are migratory in the Appalachian region with males returning in March to establish breeding territories. Nest sites are chosen by the female, and males assist in brooding and feeding of the young. Once the young are fledged, the female often selects a different mate to produce another nest. Brown thrashers may have up to 2 to 3 nests per year, and may live for up to 10 years. In September, they leave for wintering areas in the southern part of the United States.

The following are possible activities aimed at increasing brown thrasher populations:

1. Because brown thrashers are extremely aggressive during breeding, timber harvesting should be conducted form October to February in order to avoid disturbing nesting pairs.
2. Work for different species of trees - a wide variety of trees and shrubs will yield a wide variety and a reliable supply of food.
3. Group selection or "mini clear cuts" of 1 to 2 acres (0.5 to 1 hectare) will open the areas for ground foraging. The young stands (0-5 years) provide the shrubby areas for insect production and nesting.
4. Establish transition edges. Brown thrashers nest in briars and shrubs, feed on the ground, and sing from tall trees. By creating transition from tall trees to shrubs and briars to grassy openings, these three important life needs can be met.
5. Avoid large applications of insecticides. Insects compose 35% of their diet and are very important in the fall. Furthermore, young are raised almost entirely on insects such as grasshoppers, mayflies, moths, cutworms, and many other species.
6. Conduct bird song counts in the spring of the year when males advertise for mates. See if the number of singing males is increasing, decreasing, or remaining relatively the same. More information is available on this, but keep in mind that brown thrashers have strong site fidelity and will return to the same area even if the suitability of the area is decreasing. It may take some time (a few years) for changes to affect population numbers.
7. Reduce possible predators such as feral cats and roving dogs.
8. Use natural edges (between farmland and woodlots) to create more of the transition edges.
9. Along day-lighted roads make transitions from trees to shrubs to grasses in order to increase nesting and foraging areas.
10. Day-lighted roads also allow for the planting of berry-producing species. A brown thrasher's diet is 65% vegetable matter including berries in spring, fruits in summer, and grains in the fall. The following is a suggested list of berry- producing shrubs for brown thrashers.

    dogwood, viburnum, hawthorn, crabapple, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, sumac, grape

11. Though water is usually abundant, small watering holes attract birds for easier viewing. They may be as simple as small depressions where water will collect, or more complex structures that add aesthetically to the surroundings.

For wintering areas in the southern United States:

• Provide food. This can be done with either trees and shrubs which retain their berries throughout winter, or by putting up bird feeders with bird seed.
• Preserve dense, thick brush areas for shelter from predators and cold weather.

A contribution of Donna Grant (1992), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.