Canyon Towhee

canyon towhee

Canyon Towhees are plain grayish-brown sparrows with long tails and plump bodies. Although they look similar to California Towhees, their range does not overlap.

  • Melozone fusca
  • Length: 8.3-9.8 in (21-25 cm)
  • Weight: 1.3-1.9 oz (37-53 g)
  • Wingspan: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)

Range

Canyon Towhees are resident all year in southwestern US states and Mexico.

Habitat And Diet

You can find Canyon Towhees on the ground in desert grassland foraging mainly for seeds and berries. However, they will also eat some grasshoppers and other insects.

Canyon Towhee Sounds:

Their song is fast, stuttering, and two-toned.

Nests

Nests of Canyon Towhees are placed near the trunk of trees and large shrubs, so they are well supported and hidden. The nest is made by the female from grass and plant material and is lined with soft grass and animal hair.

Attract Canyon Towhees

Attract them to your backyard with black oil sunflower seeds, milo, millet, and oats scattered on the ground. However, they are shy birds that can be hard to attract.

Fun Fact:

Canyon Towhees will nest when the twice-yearly desert rains are due, which provides a sudden abundance of plants and insects.