Melozone crissalis
The California Towhee, *Melozone crissalis*, is a ubiquitous and endearing denizen of California's diverse landscapes. A medium-sized New World Sparrow, it typically measures 8.5-10 inches (21-25 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and weighing 1.2-2.5 ounces (35-70 g). Its plumage is an unassuming but distinctive uniform dull grayish-brown, often appearing rather plain at first glance. Key identification marks include a long, often cocked tail, a stout, conical bill, an...
Found in scrublands, chaparral, oak woodlands, suburban gardens, and parks, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Primarily consumes seeds (especially grass seeds) and small insects, supplemented with some berries and fruits; forages by scratching on the ground.
The California Towhee is a largely diurnal and sedentary bird, primarily active from dawn to dusk, often spending its time rummaging in leaf litter or perched low in dense shrubs. It roosts individually or in pairs within dense, protective vegetation, especially thorny bushes. Foraging is its mos...
The California Towhee is a highly sedentary species, resident year-round across its entire distribution, which spans southwestern Oregon, much of California, and northern Baja California in Mexico. Its primary breeding and non-breeding range are identical, encompassing coastal scrublands, chaparr...
Least Concern
- The California Towhee is renowned for its distinctive "double-scratch" foraging technique, where it kicks both feet backward simultaneously to uncover food items in leaf litter. - Despite its rather plain brown plumage, its bright rufous undertail (crissum) is a crucial and charming field mark....