Canyon Towhee

Overview

The canyon towhee (Melozone fusca) is a bird in the family Passerellidae. Until 1989, it was classified as part of the brown towhee alongside the California towhee, but molecular genetics has since confirmed its status as a distinct species.

Identification

• Earthy brown plumage with slightly lighter underparts and a darker head featuring a rufous cap, except in central Mexico where the cap matches the back.
• A noticeably long tail measuring 8.2 to 11 cm in length.
• Total length between 19 and 25 cm with little sexual dimorphism.

Habitat

Native to lower-lying areas from Arizona, southern Colorado, New Mexico and western Texas south to northwestern Oaxaca in Mexico, mostly avoiding coastal regions. Its natural habitat consists of brush or chaparral.

Diet

Forages on the ground or in low scrub rather than in tree canopies. In areas near human habitation, it feeds on insects found on car grilles in parking lots and takes cover under vehicles when disturbed.

Did you know?

Near human settlements, this species has adapted its foraging behaviour to target insects on the grilles of parked cars, using the vehicles as shelter when threatened.