New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
California Towhee
Melozone crissalis. Seeds and insects taken on the ground.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)California TowheeMelozone crissalis
- Scientific name
- Melozone crissalis
- Length
- 8.3–9.8 in
- Weight
- 1.8–1.9 oz
- Nest
- Cup in dense shrubs
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 11 days
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
Identification
- Plain warm brown
- Rusty under the tail
- Buff throat with faint streaks
Voice
Metallic 'chink' and an accelerating trill.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and insects taken on the ground.
What do California towhees eat? · Best feeder for California towhees
California Towhees by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| California | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | March–July |
Frequently asked
What do California towhees eat?
Seeds and insects taken on the ground. At feeders: millet, sunflower chips.
How big is a California Towhee?
8.3–9.8 in long and 1.8–1.9 oz.
Do California towhees use birdhouses?
No. Cup in dense shrubs.
Sources
- California Towhee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- California Towhee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- California Towhee — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.