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California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)

General Description: California Towhees (Melozone crissalis) are large, sexually monomorphic sparrows. They are brown overall with a bit of reddish-brown on the head and face, and a rusty orange crissum (under-tail coverts). In adults, the throat is lighter and bordered on the chest by a broken ring of brown spots, but in young birds the chest is more brown.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Emberizidae. Formerly Pipilo crissalis.

Favored Habitat: Brushy canyon habitats.

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)

Where to Find: Don't look for California Towhees around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them over in the California chaparral and middle elevation foothills throughout the state west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Comments: California Towhees are notorious for becoming obsessed with chasing its reflection in windows and mirrors.

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis) If you were a tasty bug or a little seed down on the ground, this might be the last face you ever see!
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis) California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis) California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
California Towhee
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)
Doing battle with their reflection in a window or mirror
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240124
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