Canyon towhee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canyon towhee |
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Melozone
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fusca
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The canyon towhee (Melozone fusca) is a bird of the family Passerellidae. This common bird lives in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Canyon towhees are known for their earthy brown feathers and long tails. They spend most of their time searching for food on the ground.
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How Scientists Group Birds
Scientists group living things to understand them better. This is called taxonomy. The canyon towhee belongs to a group of birds called towhees. Some scientists used to think towhees belonged to the Finch family. But now, most agree they are in the Passerellidae family.
For a while, scientists debated if the canyon towhee was the same species as the California towhee. The California towhee lives along the coast from Oregon to California and into Baja California, Mexico. Recent studies of their molecular genetics (like DNA) show they are indeed different species.
What Does a Canyon Towhee Look Like?
Canyon towhees are about 19 to 25 centimeters (7.5 to 9.8 inches) long. They have a noticeably long tail, which is about 8.2 to 11 centimeters (3.2 to 4.3 inches) long. These birds usually weigh around 45 grams (1.6 ounces).
Their feathers are earthy brown. Their belly is a bit lighter, and their head is darker. Most canyon towhees have a reddish-brown cap on their head. Birds in central Mexico have a cap the same color as their back. They also have a slightly reddish area under their tail. Male and female canyon towhees look very similar. This means there is little sexual dimorphism (difference between sexes).
Where Do Canyon Towhees Live?
The canyon towhee lives in lower-lying areas. You can find them from Arizona, southern Colorado, New Mexico, and western Texas. Their range extends south into northwestern Oaxaca, Mexico. They mostly avoid coastal areas.
Their favorite places to live are areas with lots of brush or chaparral. This type of habitat has many shrubs and small trees.
How Do Canyon Towhees Behave?
Canyon towhees usually look for food on the ground. They also search in low bushes. You won't often see them feeding high up in tree branches.
Near towns and cities, you might spot them in parking lots. They sometimes look for insects stuck on car grilles. If they get scared, they might hide under cars for safety.
See also
In Spanish: Rascador pardo para niños
