Abert's Towhee

In the sun-drenched landscapes of the American Southwest, one may encounter the Abert's towhee (Melozone aberti), a bird with a modest yet distinctive appearance. This species, named in honor of the esteemed ornithologist James William Abert, is adorned with a cloak of brown plumage, a dark face that stands out against its lighter body, and a notably long tail that adds to its overall length. The Abert's towhee is the largest member of the New World sparrow family, measuring between 21 to 25 cm in length, with a tail spanning 10 to 12 cm.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Abert's towhee, look for its long tail and the stark contrast of its dark face against the brown plumage. The bird's size is considerable for a sparrow, and it can be distinguished from the similar California towhee by its more pronounced facial markings and slightly overlapping range.

Habitat

The Abert's towhee is a denizen of the Lower Sonoran desert zone, favoring the brushy riparian habitats where it can remain concealed beneath the foliage. It has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to suburban areas, particularly around Phoenix, Arizona, and can often be spotted on the grounds of Arizona State University.

Distribution

This bird's range is relatively small, primarily within the lower Colorado River and Gila River watersheds. It is nearly endemic to Arizona but also makes its home in select parts of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Sonora in Mexico.

Behaviour

Abert's towhees are ground foragers, often seen scratching at the soil in search of food. They exhibit a preference for staying hidden under bushes, and despite facing threats such as cowbird nest parasitism and habitat loss, they have managed to expand their range in certain areas.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Abert's towhee consists mainly of seeds found on the ground amidst dense brush, but insects are also on the menu. They employ a scratching technique akin to that of quail to uncover their food and are known to dig up grubs. Attracting them to feeders is possible by scattering cracked corn on the ground.

Conservation status

The Abert's towhee is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Although its range is limited, the species has not only persisted but has also expanded its territory in some regions, indicating a degree of resilience in the face of environmental changes.