Brown Thrasher - Predation and Threats

Predation and Threats

Although this bird is widespread and still common, it has declined in numbers in some areas due to loss of suitable habitat. Despite the decrease, the rate does not warrant a status towards vulnerable. One of the natural nuisances is the parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird, but these incidents are rare. Whenever these situations occur, the Brown Thrashers usually discard of the cowbirds' eggs. Occasionally, the Thrasher has thrown out their own eggs instead of the cowbird eggs due to similar egg size, and at least one recorded event raised a fledging. Northern Cardinals and Grey Catbirds are also major competitors for Thrashers in terms of territorial gain. Because of the apparent lack of opportunistic behavior around species like these, thrashers are prone to be driven out of zones for territory competition. Brown Thrashers have tendencies to double-brood or have failures on their first nesting attempts due to predation. Grey Catbirds have been seen invading Brown Thrashers' nests and breaking their eggs. Other than the catbird, snakes, birds of prey, and cats are among the top predators of the thrasher.

The Brown Thrasher methods of defending itself include using its bill, which can inflict significant damage to species smaller than it, along with wing-flapping and vocal expressions.