Sage thrasher eggs and nest in a basin big sagebrush on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Sage thrashers are commonly observed on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, however, finding a sage thrasher nest is quite rare. They place their nests deep within a large sagebrush where it is very difficult to see. The site is carefully selected to provide overhead shade from the sun, protection from the wind, and concealment from predators. The splotched turquoise eggs contrast sharply with the strips of sagebrush "bark" and grass that line the nest bowl. During breeding season, sage thrashers eat mostly insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and beetles. Sage thrashers are monogamous and both parents help incubate 4-5 eggs for about 12 days, and both feed and brood the young for a week or two after they hatch. The young leave the nest about 10 days after hatching, after which the adults may raise a second brood.
Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS
Sage thrasher eggs and nest in a basin big sagebrush on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Sage thrashers are commonly observed on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, however, finding a sage thrasher nest is quite rare. They place their nests deep within a large sagebrush where it is very difficult to see. The site is carefully selected to provide overhead shade from the sun, protection from the wind, and concealment from predators. The splotched turquoise eggs contrast sharply with the strips of sagebrush "bark" and grass that line the nest bowl. During breeding season, sage thrashers eat mostly insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and beetles. Sage thrashers are monogamous and both parents help incubate 4-5 eggs for about 12 days, and both feed and brood the young for a week or two after they hatch. The young leave the nest about 10 days after hatching, after which the adults may raise a second brood.
Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS