California Towhee
(Pipilo crissalis)

The California Towhee is a resident bird that occurs from sea level to 9,000 feet in dense shrubby areas. The California Towhee is particularly abundant in riparian, coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, but can be found wherever the habitat forms dense tangles and thickets. The California Towhee can nest from late February through August, when it is easily heard and seen. During the non-breeding season the California Towhee can be less vocal and more difficult to detect.

Status: Not protected
Nesting habitat: Coastal sage scrub, chaparral and other brushy areas
Diet: Insects and seeds
Breeding season begins: Late February
Nest type: Open cup
Typical number of eggs: 3-4
Incubated by: Female
Nestlings tended by: Both parents
Migratory: No
Active period on the Preserve: Year round (see graph)

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