The thrasher is relatively shy but can often be found in proximity to humans. It prefers heavy thickets, hedgerows, brushy pastures, and woods. The bird feeds on or near the ground among fallen leaves or branches, searching for beetles, grubs, worms, and caterpillars. It will also eat small snakes, tree frogs, and berries. Nests are large and usually found low in trees and constructed of layers of twigs and dead leaves.
Eggs are white or pale blue and spotted with brown and normally number four to five.