Canyon Towhee
NameCanyon Towhee
Common NameCanyon Towhee
Scientific NameMelozone fusca
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)42
Plumage DetailsOverall plain grayish-brown plumage, with a slightly darker head and back. It features a pale throat with a faint dark central spot, and distinctive rufous (rusty) undertail coverts. The bill is stout and dark, and the eyes are dark.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a series of accelerating, metallic chips, often described as a 'chip-chip-chip-chip-churr' or a rapid, trilling 'chick-chick-chick-chick-chick-chick-chick'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of California, extending south into much of Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesPlain grayish-brown plumage, Rufous undertail coverts, Pale throat with faint dark spot, Long tail, Stout, dark bill
Description
The Canyon Towhee is a large, plain-brown sparrow found in arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It forages primarily on the ground, scratching through leaf litter for seeds and insects, often staying hidden in dense brush.
