California Towhee

The California towhee (Melozone crissalis) is a rather inconspicuous bird, often overlooked due to its plain brown plumage. Yet, this unassuming appearance belies a creature of great adaptability and resilience. It is a member of the family Passerellidae, and its robust form is reminiscent of a large, plain sparrow, with a notably long tail that adds to its distinctive silhouette.

Identification Tips

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the California towhee's dull brown coloration, accented by light rust undertail covert feathers and buff or rust-colored streaks at the throat. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, with little to distinguish males from females. These birds possess short, rounded wings, a long tail, and a thick beak adept at cracking seeds. They typically measure between 21 to 25 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 29 centimeters, and weigh between 37 to 68 grams.

Habitat

The California towhee is a bird of the brush, favoring chaparral, open woodlands, and areas adjacent to streams on desert slopes. It has shown remarkable adaptability, thriving in parks and gardens and extending its range throughout Baja California.

Distribution

This non-migratory bird is found along the North Pacific coastline, from Southern Oregon in the United States to Baja California in Mexico. It is a bird that remains within its chosen home range, only relocating when seeking a mate.

Behaviour

On the ground, the California towhee is a picture of activity, foraging with a distinctive "double-scratch" maneuver. It is often seen alone or in pairs, running rapidly over short distances and maintaining constant contact with its mate, possibly forming lifelong bonds. The towhee's diet consists of seeds, grasses, and herbs, with insects such as grasshoppers and beetles supplementing its diet during the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The towhee's vocalizations are simple yet effective. Its call is a single-note sound, interpreted variably as "seet," "tseek," or "cheenk," while its song is a long series of notes culminating in a trill.

Breeding

Nests are constructed in low branches or shrubs, with the female alone incubating a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs over a period of 11 to 14 days. The breeding season spans from early April to early August, with the possibility of 2 to 3 broods each year.

Conservation status

The California towhee is classified as Least Concern, with a stable population over the past half-century. However, certain threats such as fire weather, spring heat waves, and urbanization pose challenges to its habitat. A particular subspecies in the Inyo mountains has faced habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, but conservation efforts have helped its numbers recover.

Relationship with Humans

The California towhee has adapted well to human presence, often found in suburban gardens and parks. It is not uncommon to see them foraging on the ground for seeds, including those spread by humans, and they have become a familiar sight in many Californian backyards.