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
The Canyon Towhee gives a sharp metalliccheenkcall and a variety of dry chattering notes commonly heard from desert scrub and rocky hillsides. Its song is a cheerful series of clear whistled phrases and trills, usually slower, richer, and more musical than the simpler accelerating song of the California Towhee.
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. Canyon Towhees are warmer brown overall than California Towhees and typically show richer cinnamon under-tail coverts, a paler throat, and a slightly more patterned face that gives them a softer appearance. California Towhees are darker, plainer, and more uniformly brown, especially on the chest and face. Compared to Abert’s Towhee, the Canyon Towhee is smaller and less bulky, with a more contrasting face pattern and less extensive pale gray coloring on the face and underparts.
Feeders
Will attend feeders for various seeds
Conservation Status
Canyon Towhees remain fairly common across much of the southwestern United States and Mexico and are currently considered a species of relatively low overall conservation concern. However, localized declines can occur where desert scrub and open arid habitats are heavily altered by urban expansion, intensive grazing, or prolonged drought that reduces native vegetation cover and food availability. 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
