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Description

BREEDING MALE

Chunky, grayish-brown towhee with a black face, light colored bill, and reddish undertail coverts.

abert's towhee

Female

Sexes similar.

Seasonal change in appearance

None.

Juvenile

Has pale orange wing bars, but is otherwise similar to adults.

Habitat

Dense brush and mesquite near water, often along desert streams.

Diet

Seeds and insects.

Behavior

Forages on the ground in typical towhee fashion, scratching with both feet.

Range

Limited to a small area of the desert southwest, primarily southern Arizona, southeastern California, and southeastern Nevada.

Populations may be vulnerable to rapid development of streamside habitat in urbanizing desert areas.

More information:

Bent Life History

Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the American Goldfinch.


 

Fun Facts

Abert’s Towhees maintain permanent pairs year-round, and often forage together as a pair.

Vocalizations

Song a series of high-pitched peek or teek notes. Call a single, peek or teek.

Purchase the ringtone for this species at www.feathertalk.co.

Similar Species

  • Canyon Towhee

    The Canyon Towhee has rusty cap and central breast spot, paler underparts.

    canyon towhee

  • Green-tailed Towhee

    The Green-tailed Towhee has a rusty cap and white face and throat markings. Greenish back and tail.

    gree-tailed-towhee

Nesting

Nest is an open cup of plant material, usually placed about 6 feet above ground in a dense shrub, but sometimes located much higher.

Eggs

Number: Usually 3, but can range from 1 to 4.

Color: Pale blue with brown or black markings.

Professor Bird