California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)

The California Towhee is a bird of southern Oregon, California, and Baja Mexico. It and the Canyon Towhee were once considered a single species, the Brown Towhee, but their geographic ranges do not overlap, and there are plumage, voice, and genetic differences, They are very plain in plumage overall, except for a brighter rufous patch on the undertail. Both males and females are essential identical in appearance.

Habitat

Found in a variety of brushy habitats, including coastal scrublands, riparian thickets, dry chaparral, brushy forest forest edges, and urban parks. They have adapted fairly well to a human presence and have learned to utilize brushy habitats in and around urban areas.

Diet

Feeds on seeds and insects. Insects make up a large portion of the diet in the summer months, particularly when young are being fed. However, seeds make up the majority of the diet in most seasons. They will also sometimes feed on fruits and berries.

Behavior

Does the majority of its foraging ont he ground, searching for seeds and insects, scratching on the ground and in the leaf litter.

Nesting

The nest is a cup of sticks, grasses, and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses, animal hair, and plant down. The female alone incubates the eggs, but both the male and female will feed and tend to the young.

Song

The song of a California Towhee is a series of notes that accelerate in pace throughout the song.

Migration

Considered a permanent resident throughout its range. Individual birds rarely move far from where they breed.

Similar Species

Similar to Canyon Towhee , Abert's Towhee

Feeders

Will readily attend feeders for millet and various other seeds

Conservation Status

Populations have undoubtedly declined along the West Coast as urban development has destroyed some of their former habitat. However, they are still widespread and common in much of their range, and the IUCN lists the California Towhee as a species of "Least Concern" .

California Towhee