California Towhee
NameCalifornia Towhee
Common NameCalifornia Towhee
Scientific NameMelozone crissalis
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsOverall dull grayish-brown plumage, slightly paler on the belly. It features a distinctive rusty or rufous wash on the undertail coverts and often on the throat and sides of the head. The bill is conical and grayish.
Vocalization / CallIts most common call is a sharp, metallic 'chink' or 'chip'. The song is a rapid, accelerating series of chips that often ends in a trill.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsurban, forest, grassland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to California and Baja California, Mexico, primarily inhabiting chaparral, oak woodlands, and suburban gardens within these regions.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, plain brown sparrow, Long tail, Rufous undertail coverts, Conical bill, Ground-foraging behavior, Sharp 'chink' call
Description
The California Towhee is a large, plain brown sparrow with a long tail, commonly found foraging on the ground in dense brush. It is generally a shy bird, but can become quite tame in suburban gardens.
