Green-tailed Towhee

The Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus, is the smallest member of the towhee family, yet stands as one of the larger constituents of the American sparrow family, Passerellidae. This bird is adorned with bright green stripes on the edge of its wings, a distinctive white throat, and a rufous cap. It measures a modest 7.25 inches (18.4 cm) in length and tips the scales at 29 grams (1.0 oz).

Identification Tips

To identify the Green-tailed Towhee, look for the striking green wing edges and the warm rufous coloration on the crown. The bird's white throat contrasts with its overall greyish-brown plumage, making it quite distinctive when observed.

Habitat

The Green-tailed Towhee favors habitats peppered with sagebrush and similar shrubbery. It thrives in these environments, often seeking the shelter of underbrush.

Distribution

During the breeding season, this towhee's range encompasses much of the interior Western United States. Come winter, it migrates to Mexico and the southern fringes of the Southwestern United States.

Behaviour

The Green-tailed Towhee exhibits a fairly tame demeanor. However, it is a master of concealment, often remaining hidden beneath bushes, which contributes to its infrequent sightings despite being fairly common within its preferred habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Green-tailed Towhee as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats that would warrant a higher level of concern.