New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
Canyon Towhee
Melozone fusca. Seeds and insects.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Canyon TowheeMelozone fusca
- Scientific name
- Melozone fusca
- Length
- 8.3–9.1 in
- Weight
- 1.3–1.8 oz
- Nest
- Cup in cactus, shrubs or small trees
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 11 days
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
Identification
- Pale grey-brown with a rufous cap
- Necklace of streaks around a central spot
- Rusty under the tail
Voice
Rapid 'chili-chili-chili'.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and insects.
What do canyon towhees eat? · Best feeder for canyon towhees
Canyon Towhees by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–August |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–August |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Oklahoma | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–August |
Frequently asked
What do canyon towhees eat?
Seeds and insects. At feeders: millet, cracked corn.
How big is a Canyon Towhee?
8.3–9.1 in long and 1.3–1.8 oz.
Do canyon towhees use birdhouses?
No. Cup in cactus, shrubs or small trees.
Sources
- Canyon Towhee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Canyon Towhee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Canyon 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.