California Towhee: The Beeper Bird
The California towhee bird, also known as the 'Melozone crissalis', is a common sight in California, parts of Oregon, and Baja California. California Towhees are essentially large sparrows but towhees are larger and chunky. Their long tail and short wings can make these birds look awkward and humorous in flight. These medium-sized birds have a distinct appearance and behavior, with a unique beeping sound that can drive some people crazy.
These plump round birds are ground-dwellers with fully brownish-gray feathers and small amounts of rust coloring on their sides and tail. Their thick, conical beak is perfect for cracking open seeds, berries, and insects. The California towhee measures about 7 inches in height and has a plump, round body with a short tail. The bird's plumage is primarily a warm, reddish-brown color on its back, wings, and head, with a lighter, grayish-brown underside. Its throat and breast are a light buff color, and its eyes are dark brown. Overall, the California towhee is a plain but attractive bird with subtle, earth-toned colors that blend in well with its natural habitat. Its behavior is often bold and curious, making it a common sight in gardens, parks, and suburban areas throughout California. The California towhee is often seen happily hopping on the ground searching for food among leaf litter and underbrush.
The California towhee's call is a sharp, metallic beep used for various purposes such as establishing territory, communicating with other towhees, and warning of predators. During the breeding season, males emit a series of sharp beeps to attract a mate. They also produce other vocalizations like trills, whistles, and chattering sounds to communicate effectively with other birds. The towhee's loud, metallic beeping sound can be very distracting and annoying for some people, especially because they tend to be most active in the early morning hours. Beyond their loud beeping, the towhee is known for its wide range of calls and songs, including melodious whistles, trills, and chattering noises.
The California towhee is a fascinating bird whose behavior and sounds make it one of the easiest birds to identify in San Diego County. Listen for their distinctive call next time you're outside during the morning hours and see if you can spot one in action.
