A remarkably loquacious bird whose notes are easily translated by listeners into speech. Mrs. Bailey has heard one shout — perched on the top of the highest bush — Kick-it-now kick-it-now, shutup, shutup, Dor-o-thy, Dor-o-thy and then the medley changed to notes of Quail, Flicker, Nuthatch, Jay, Robin or Wrentit. The performance given with rollicking good nature as if the singer was intensely enjoying his efforts.
They use their decurved bills to clear leaves and grass, then push the bill full length into the ground after the manner of Woodcock. They make several holes in succession, then snap up any insects which come to the surface. They are as courageous in defending their homes as the Brown Thrashers. They are extremely skillful in using the needle-pointed bill, and could easily destroy an eye or inflict flesh wounds on the face.
Foothills and valleys of California, west of Sierra Nevada range, from Shasta county south to San Pedro Martir mountains and San Quentin, Lower California.