GCBO Bird of the Month

Canyon Towhee

by Mike Williams

Geography/Habitat:


The Canyon Towhee, (Melozone fusca (or Pyrgrisoma fuscum)), was first described by an English ornithologist, William John Swainson, in Mexico in 1827. It has been reclassified several times by different authorities. It was formerly called the Brown Towhee and considered a single species with the California Towhee but molecular genetics disproved this. Note there are 10 currently recognized subspecies and further dispute on this.


The Canyon Towhee is a desert species of the North American Southwest. It ranges from Colorado through Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas and down into West and Central Mexico. It is primarily a resident species and does not migrate. 


Its preferred habitat is dry chapparal shrublands open dry grasslands and sometimes open forests. Note in times of drought especially in winter, it will expand its range and often becomes a garden bird.


Breeding season is mid-March to end June and 2-6 eggs are laid in a simple cup shaped nest made of twigs, stems, bark and animal hair. It is usually low to the ground. Incubation is carried out by the female for 11-12 days with fledging occurring 8 to 11 days after hatching. Note the chicks are fed by both parents.

Food supply is primarily seed based but some insects are also consumed. The typical towhee double scratch while foraging in the leaf litter etc.




Identification


A large overall grayish sparrow with pale lores and eye ring and a reddish-brown crown. The breast is distinctly browner with a necklace of dark spots and the undertail is reddish orange. The tail is dark and the bill and legs are grayish.


The call is 6-7 notes of chilli-chilli-chilli with a single chip is also common. 




Fun Facts


  • Canyon towhees like to feed on car grills when insects are present and are often found under cars. 
  • A group of towhees is known as a tangle or teapot.




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