California Towhee
A familiar California ground bird of chaparral and shrubby gardens, often heard before it is noticed beneath cover.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look around dense shrubs, leaf litter, fence posts, eaves, stream edges, and low trays in California and southern Oregon.
Food
Mostly grass and herb seeds, with insects during breeding and berries, acorns, and other plant material seasonally.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Chaparral, coastal scrub, stream and canyon bottoms, shrubby yards, parks, and native California plantings.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
California Towhee habitat
Chaparral, coastal scrub, stream and canyon bottoms, shrubby yards, parks, and native California plantings.
California Towhee diet and food
Mostly grass and herb seeds, with insects during breeding and berries, acorns, and other plant material seasonally.
Millet on a clean ground tray or low platform can help; dense shrubs and natural leaf litter are equally important.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Mostly grass and herb seeds, with insects during breeding and berries, acorns, and other plant material seasonally.
Cover & plants
Chaparral, coastal scrub, stream and canyon bottoms, shrubby yards, parks, and native California plantings.
California Towhee nesting and breeding
Builds a cup low in a shrub or small tree, commonly 3–12 feet above ground.
California Towhee behavior and where to look
Forages on the ground and low stems, often giving a sharp chip; some birds repeatedly challenge window or mirror reflections.
Photography
Photograph from a shrub edge or window blind without approaching low nest cover.
What to avoid
Reduce reflected-window conflict with exterior treatments instead of allowing a bird to repeatedly strike glass.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
