The Canyon Towhee and the California Towhee were considered a single species, the "Brown Towhee", until recently. The ranges of the two species do not overlap, and there are distinct plumage, voice, and genetic differences. Canyon Towhees are found in a variety of brushy habitats throughout their range, where they are most often seen scratching on the ground as they forage for food.
Habitat
Found in a variety of brushy habitats, from grasslands with scattered shrubs, dry chapparal shrublands, and brushy undergrowth in open woodlands. They avoid dense forest, as well as grasslands, deserts, or other habitats without some form of shrubby cover.
Diet
Diet mostly consists of seeds and insects. Insects are more heavily consumed during the summer breeding season, particularly when young are being raised. The winter diet typically includes a greater proprtion of seeds. They will also feed on fruits and berries on occasion.
Behavior
Nearly all of the foraging of a Canyon Towhee is done on the ground.
Nesting
The nest of a Canyon Towhee is a large open cup of sticks, twigs, and grasses, lined with leaves, plant down, and other softer plant material. The female alone incubates the eggs in the nest, but both parents feed and tend to the young upon hatching.
Song
Song of a Canyon Towhee is a short call note followed by a mellow trilling.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident throughout its normal range. Nesting pairs rarely move very far from their summer breeding area.
Similar Species
Similar to California Towhee , Abert's Towhee
Feeders
Will attend feeders for various seeds
Conservation Status
There are no immediate threats to Canyon Towhee populations, and the IUCN currently lists the Canyon Towhee as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
May 5th, 2008 - Near Tucson, Arizona - Terry Sohl
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the eBird species page for Canyon Towhee
