Clay-colored Robin

Turdus grayi

mirlo pardo

Voice: Call is a cat-like mewing, “tee-weeooip”; song is varied but steady tempo, with repeated phrases.

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Status: Uncommon resident along the Rio Grande corridor from Santa Ana NWR to woodland below Falcon Dam. In winter, birds irregularly wander east to Sabal Palm Grove (and in some years to the coast). Also a record just west of the Valley in San Ygnacio. Clay-colored Robins may also be found in residential areas, like Brownsville and McAllen, during the winter months.

Habitat: Riparian corridor of the Rio Grande, including refuge woodlands from the middle and western Valley. Prefers dense woodlands where it may be found in trees or on the forest floor.

Best Spots: Bentsen SP (inner loop), Santa Ana NWR, Anzalduas County Park, World Birding Center at Roma Bluffs, and Falcon Dam area woodlands.

Similar Species: Although similar to American Robin in structure, Clay-colored Robin is different in both plumage (a uniform tawny-olive with greenish yellow bill) and behavior (often secretive). Clay-colored Robin more closely resembles White-throated Robin, a Mexico species that is accidental to southernmost Texas. White-throated Robin, however, is dark headed and dark-billed, sports a bold white crescent on throat, and is a grayer color below. White-throated Robin is a darker bird overall, lacking the warm tones of Clay-colored Robin.

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Clay-colored Robin - Range Map

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