Canyon Towhees in New Mexico
When canyon towhees are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- April–August
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect canyon towhees in New Mexico
Canyon Towhees live in New Mexico all year. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward seeds.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Nesting in New Mexico
Across New Mexico, canyon towhees typically nest from April–August. Nest site: cup in cactus, shrubs or small trees. Females lay 2–6 eggs, incubate for 11 days, and young leave the nest after 8–9 days.
Hot, dry early summer followed by the July–August monsoon.
- Canyon Towhees don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as rabbitbrush, prickly pear for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native New Mexico plants that attract canyon towhees
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover canyon towhees use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Fruit and seed plus nest sites for Cactus Wrens.
Feeding canyon towhees through the New Mexico year
A tame desert-grassland bird that feeds under patio feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Cracked corn.
- In New Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for canyon towhees · Best feeder for canyon towhees
Frequently asked
Are canyon towhees in New Mexico year-round?
Yes. Canyon Towhees are year-round residents in New Mexico.
When do canyon towhees nest in New Mexico?
Nesting in New Mexico typically runs April–August, with 2–3 per season. Clutches are 2–6 eggs, incubated for 11 days.
What native plants attract canyon towhees in New Mexico?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush, Prickly pear are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for canyon towhees.
Canyon Towhees in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
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
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.