It has a nest of twigs, forbs, and grasses lined with feathers, inner bark strips, and rootlets, usually placed in dense bush or small trees two to nine feet above ground. It lays two to four light blue eggs with light brown spots.

Length: 12 inches

Habitat: In chaparral along California's coastal and foothill areas and into adjacent areas of northwest Baja California. It may also be found but in lesser occurrence in adjacent oak woodlands, sage, and pine-juniper scrub; and of irregular occurrence in parks and gardens.

Voice: A repeated phrasing, mimicking other birds, but mainly a "chuck."

Other Behavior: This thrasher and the similar but slightly smaller Crissal Thrasher run in underbrush with their tails elevated. Although mainly terrestrial, both males sing from prominent perches in the breeding season while females stay concealed in cover.