Birds Daytime

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A secretive specialist of the desert Southwest, the Abert's Towhee is a master of the undergrowth. With its soulful black mask and charming ground-scuffing habits, it's a favorite for backyard birders in the Sonoran region.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm); Wingspan: 10.5–11.5 in (26.7–29.2 cm); Weight: 1.3–1.9 oz (36–53 g)

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Colors

Uniform grayish-brown to cinnamon-buff body; distinct black mask around the base of the bill; pale bill; males and females look identical.

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Key Features

Distinct black 'mask' around the base of the bill
Cinnamon-colored undertail coverts
Long, rounded tail
Thick, pale seed-cracking beak

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 4-7 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily omnivorous; they forage for beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars while supplementing their diet with seeds and small fruits found in the leaf litter.

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Habitat Riparian thickets, desert washes (arroyos), mesquite bosques, and suburban gardens with dense low-growing vegetation.

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Where Does the Abert's Towhee Live?

The Abert's Towhee is a true specialist of the North American Southwest, finding its home primarily within the lush riparian corridors of the Sonoran Desert. Its range is tightly concentrated around the lower Colorado and Gila River watersheds, making it almost entirely endemic to Arizona, though it extends its reach into parts of southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and western New Mexico. In Mexico, these birds are found throughout the northern stretches of Sonora, where they thrive in the dense undergrowth of desert washes and irrigated valley landscapes.

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2 Countries

Resident Status

Least Concern Conservation

US United States MX Mexico

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Abert's Towhees are the quintessential 'skulkers' of the bird world, often heard before they are seen. They spend the vast majority of their lives on the ground, scratching through leaf litter with a characteristic 'double-scratch' hop to uncover insects and seeds. While they are socially monogamous and often stay with the same partner year-round, they are quite secretive, preferring to stay within the protective cover of dense brush or desert scrub.

In suburban settings, they have adapted remarkably well to 'urban riparian' habitats—think well-watered backyards with plenty of ornamental shrubs and leaf mulch. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial around their preferred foraging spots. Unlike many other birds, they rarely fly long distances, preferring to hop or run between covers, which makes them an excellent subject for ground-based wildlife cameras.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of Abert's Towhees, you must focus on ground-level placement. These birds are heavy-bodied sparrows that spend nearly all their time under the canopy of shrubs. Mount your AI-powered camera 6 to 12 inches off the ground, angled slightly upward or parallel to a clear patch of dirt or mulch near dense bushes like Pyracantha or Mesquite. This 'to-the-floor' perspective captures their unique foraging behavior and ensures the black facial mask is clearly visible.

Water is the ultimate magnet for this species in the arid Southwest. A ground-level bird bath or a slow-dripping fountain will consistently draw them into the camera's field of view. For food-based lures, avoid hanging feeders, which they rarely use. Instead, scatter white proso millet, sunflower hearts, or cracked corn directly on the ground. Creating a 'foraging zone' by lightly piling leaf mulch in front of the camera will encourage them to perform their characteristic double-scratch kick, making for highly engaging video clips.

Because Abert's Towhees prefer the shade of thickets, lighting can be a challenge. If possible, position your camera so the background is naturally lit but the foraging area is in soft shade; this prevents the bird's earthy tones from being washed out by the harsh desert sun. High-sensitivity settings or a fast trigger speed are recommended, as their movements are quick and jerky. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for highlighting the subtle cinnamon hues of their plumage.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Abert's Towhee.

California Towhee

Lacks the black facial mask and has a more extensive range along the Pacific coast.

Canyon Towhee

Lacks the black mask and has a distinct rufous cap and a central breast spot.

Green-tailed Towhee

Much more colorful with an olive-green back, white throat, and bright rufous cap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the cooler parts of the day, specifically the first three hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. During the heat of the day, they retreat into deep shade.

The best way is to provide a ground-level water source and leave leaf litter or mulch under your shrubs. You can also scatter millet or sunflower seeds directly on the ground near cover.

They eat a mix of insects like grasshoppers and beetles, along with seeds from grasses and shrubs. They find their food by scratching the ground with both feet simultaneously.

Yes, they are very well-adapted to suburban environments in Arizona and surrounding states, provided there is irrigation and plenty of dense, low-growing bushes for cover.

The easiest way is the face; Abert's Towhee has a distinct black 'mask' around its bill, whereas the California Towhee has a plain, warm-brown face without the black marking.

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