Birdingdepot.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

California Towhee

Birds NameCalifornia towhee
Science NameMelozone crissalis
DomainEukaryota
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyPasserellidae
GenusMelozone
SpeciesM.crissalis

The California Towhee (Melozone crissalis) is a common yet fascinating bird species native to the coastal regions of the western United States and Mexico. Known for its plain appearance but interesting behaviors, the California Towhee has adapted remarkably well to both natural and urban environments.

The California Towhee is often described as a large, plain sparrow-like bird. It exhibits a predominantly dull brown coloration, with subtle but distinctive features that set it apart from other birds in its range. The bird’s body is matte brown, with a rusty patch beneath the tail (undertail coverts) and a buff or rust-colored streak around the throat area. There is little sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look alike, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.

Measurements

  • Length: 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 inches)
  • Wingspan: Approximately 29 cm (11.4 inches)
  • Weight: 37-68 grams (1.3-2.4 ounces)
  • Tail Length: 8.2 to 11.6 cm (3.2 to 4.6 inches)
  • Bill Length: 1.3 to 1.6 cm (0.51 to 0.63 inches)
  • Tarsus Length: 2.3 to 2.8 cm (0.91 to 1.10 inches)

These measurements indicate that the California Towhee is slightly larger and bulkier than typical sparrows, with a notably long tail and a thick beak, which it uses efficiently for cracking seeds.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Passerellidae
  • Genus: Melozone
  • Species: M. crissalis

The California Towhee belongs to the family Passerellidae, which includes a variety of sparrow-like birds. Historically, there has been some debate about its classification, with some experts placing towhees in the family Fringillidae. Additionally, the California Towhee was once grouped with the Canyon Towhee (Melozone fuscus) as a single species known as the Brown Towhee. However, differences in plumage and genetic data have led to their recognition as separate species. The closest relative of the California Towhee is the Abert’s Towhee (Melozone aberti), which shares similar DNA patterns.

Distribution and Range

The California Towhee is primarily found along the North Pacific coastline, from southern Oregon in the United States to Baja California in Mexico. It occupies a variety of habitats within this range, from coastal chaparral to urban parks and gardens.

Population Estimates

The global population of the California Towhee is estimated to be around 9 million individuals. The population distribution is predominantly within the United States and Mexico.

RegionEstimated PopulationPercentage of Global Population
United States5.5 million61%
Mexico3.5 million39%
Total9 million100%

The species is considered stable, with no significant decline in numbers over the past few decades.

Habitat

The California Towhee is highly adaptable, thriving in a variety of habitats, including:

  • Chaparral: Dense, shrubland ecosystems found primarily in California, where the bird finds ample cover and food.
  • Open Woodlands: Areas with scattered trees and shrubs, often near streams, providing a mix of cover and feeding opportunities.
  • Urban Areas: Parks, gardens, and suburban areas where the bird has adapted well to human presence.

The California Towhee prefers environments with ample ground cover, where it can forage for seeds and insects. It is also commonly found in coastal sage scrub and riparian (riverbank) habitats.

Behavior

The California Towhee is a ground-dwelling bird that exhibits interesting behavioral traits, particularly in its foraging and social interactions.

Vocalizations

  • Call: A single-note sound that varies among individuals, often described as “seet,” “tseep,” or “cheenk.”
  • Song: A repetitive series of notes ending in a trill, typically used by males to establish territory and attract mates.

Foraging Behavior

California Towhees are primarily ground foragers, employing a distinctive “double-scratch” technique to uncover food. This involves lunging forward and then hopping backward while scratching the ground with their feet. This maneuver is particularly effective in revealing hidden seeds and insects beneath leaves and debris.

Social Structure

California Towhees are often seen in pairs or small family groups. They form strong pair bonds, often maintaining lifelong partnerships. Despite their strong territorial instincts, especially during the breeding season, they can be relatively tolerant of other towhees in close proximity, particularly in urban settings.

Feeding

The diet of the California Towhee is diverse and changes seasonally.

Diet Composition

  • Seeds: The primary component of their diet, especially outside of the breeding season. They prefer seeds from grasses, weeds, and other low-growing plants.
  • Insects: During the breeding season, insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders become an essential part of their diet, providing necessary protein for growing chicks.
  • Fruits: Towhees occasionally consume fruits like apricots, plums, and peas, particularly in suburban gardens.

Feeding Habits

California Towhees are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They forage on the ground or in low shrubs, using their thick beaks to crack seeds and their strong feet to scratch the ground in search of food. They also visit bird feeders, where they primarily consume millet and other small seeds.

Breeding

The breeding season of the California Towhee typically extends from early April to early August, with a peak in late May or early June.

Nesting

  • Nest Location: Nests are usually built in low branches or shrubs, between 0.5 to 4 meters (1 ft 8 in to 13 ft 1 in) above the ground.
  • Nest Structure: The nest is a bulky cup made of twigs, stems, grasses, and hair, primarily constructed by the female.

Reproduction

  • Clutch Size: 2-4 eggs
  • Incubation Period: 11-14 days, with the female solely responsible for incubation.
  • Fledging: The young typically leave the nest 6-11 days after hatching.

The California Towhee often raises 2-3 broods per year, ensuring a stable population growth.

Threats

Despite being categorized as a species of Least Concern, the California Towhee faces several environmental threats.

Major Threats

  • Urbanization: While the California Towhee has adapted well to suburban environments, ongoing urban expansion continues to reduce available natural habitats.
  • Fire Weather: Wildfires pose a significant risk, particularly in densely vegetated areas where towhees reside.
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns could impact the availability of resources, particularly in the towhee’s range during the summer and winter months.
ThreatImpact on PopulationMitigation Efforts
UrbanizationModerateHabitat restoration, urban planning
Fire WeatherHigh in affected areasFire management, controlled burns
Climate ChangeLong-term riskConservation strategies, habitat preservation

Conservation Status

The California Towhee’s global population remains stable, thanks to its adaptability. However, certain subspecies, such as the Inyo California Towhee (M. c. eremophilus), have faced significant population declines due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and management by the Bureau of Land Management, have helped increase the population of this subspecies to over 700 individuals.

Migration

The California Towhee is a non-migratory bird, meaning it remains in its established range throughout the year. However, individuals may shift their location slightly within this range to find suitable habitat, particularly during the breeding season or in response to environmental changes.

Range Stability

Due to their non-migratory nature, California Towhees are highly dependent on the stability of their local environments. Climate change poses a unique challenge, as significant temperature increases could force these birds to seek new habitats, leading to a potential reduction in their range.

Comparison with Related Species

The California Towhee is often compared to other towhee species, particularly those within the Melozone genus.

SpeciesSize (cm)HabitatSong CharacteristicsMigration
California Towhee20-25Chaparral, woodlandsRepetitive notes, ending in trillNone
Canyon Towhee20-24Desert scrub, canyonsSimilar to California TowheePartial
Abert’s Towhee21-24Riparian desert areasLoud, sharp callsNone

Conclusion

The California Towhee is a resilient and adaptable bird species that has successfully navigated the challenges posed by both natural and urban environments. With a stable population and a wide range across the western United States and Mexico, this bird continues to thrive in diverse habitats. However, ongoing environmental threats such as urbanization, climate change, and wildfires underscore the need for continued conservation efforts.

Understanding the California Towhee’s behavior, feeding habits, and breeding strategies not only enriches our knowledge of this particular species but also highlights the broader challenges facing wildlife in rapidly changing environments. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning your journey into ornithology, the California Towhee offers a compelling case study in adaptability and survival.

Rate this post

Leave a Comment