The Cozumel thrasher (Toxostoma guttatum) is a bird from the mockingbird family (Mimidae), which is endemic to the island of Cozumel off the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It is believed to be the most critically endangered species of bird in Mexico – if it indeed still exists, which is probable but not certain.

This bird is closely related to the long-billed and brown thrashers. It has been generally described as shy, but there have been descriptions to the contrary. It was once abundant throughout Cozumel before two hurricanes greatly affected its numbers. Invasive species are also thought to have impacted the population of the thrasher.

Taxonomy

The Cozumel thrasher was first described as Harporhynchus guttatus by Robert Ridgway in 1885. It has been described as a subspecies to its relative the long-billed thrasher (Toxostoma longirostre), but was considered a separate species when it was determined in a 1998 study that it differed genetically more than five percent from both the long-billed and brown thrashers (T. rufum). In the same study it was determined to be the basal member of the rufum group of Toxostoma thrashers.

Similar species

The Cozumel thrasher is similar in appearance to the long-billed thrasher (Toxostoma longirostre, in length), but is smaller, darker in color, has a blacker bill, and the markings are more sharply defined.

Behavior and ecology

The thrasher is predominately terrestrial and elusive and as with all members of the genus Toxostoma, it may resort to running instead of flying when startled. Ornithologists Ludlow Griscom and Raymond A. Paynter, Jr. had noted its secretive behavior, but James Bond did not.

Inquiry from the local population had suggested that the species would likely be encountered near the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio.

Some scientists believe that other factors must have contributed to the bird's decline, because the Cozumel thrasher likely survived hurricanes for millennia.

Footnotes

References

  • Curry, Robert L. (2007): El cuitlacoche de cozumel - The endemic thrasher of Cozumel Island. Version of 2008-JAN-28. Retrieved 2008-FEB-12.
  • Environment News Service (2004): The Cozumel Thrasher: One Bird Away From Extinction. Includes habitat photo. Version of 2004-JUL-09. Retrieved 2007-FEB-08.
  • Surfbird News (2006): Recently Discovered Species Gain Protection. Version of 2006-DEC-28. Retrieved 2008-FEB-12.
  • BirdLife International: Cozumel Thrasher Species Factsheet. Retrieved 2007-FEB-08.