Towees are large birds (up to 9″ long) compared to the other sparrows so it’s not surprising they were among the first sparrows I noticed.
The Canyon Towhee (Pipilo fuscus) was first seen poking around nearby vegetation. Initially wary, it was soon comfortable at the feeding station. The Canyon Towhee’s name is a bit misleading as it can be an urban bird as well as a denizen of scrub, desert scrub and pine-oak woodlands. Field marks include an overall brown color with a rusty crown and vent (under-tail), buffy throat and a dark mark in the middle of the breast. Canyon Towhees are ground feeders using their feet to expose seed and are permanent residents of SE Arizona.
Canyon Towhee (Pipilo fuscus)
Canyon Towhee (Pipilo fuscus)
The second species of towhee was not at all interested in having its picture taken but I’m sure you can guess what it is from the colorful back view.
Yes, a Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus). By the next day, it looked right at home in the birdbath and put on quite a show.
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus)
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus)
This bird of sagebrush and piñon/juniper habitat winters in weedy scrub and dry arroyos. Sexes are similar with females being a bit duller than males. They are smaller (up to 7″ long) than Canyon Towhees and nest only as far south as central Arizona. The bird above is either a migrant on its way to Mexico or will spend the winter in here.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
You have a great site. Very informative at a relaxing pace. I learned a little and enjoyed myself a lot!
November 4th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Hello,nice shots! I bookmarked you on photoblogs.org..regards from canary islands