Now that we’ve crossed the hump day of California Towhee Week, let’s talk babies!
We’ve researched extensively and have some terrific news to report: California Towhee adults make new California Towhee babies every year!!! Additionally, they often produce two broods per nesting season, which – if our math is correct – doubles the chance for more California Towhees in the world compared to those single-brood species!
Moreover, because Cal Towhees are so visible and ubiquitous, you may be able to observe their breeding cycle in your very own neighborhood. They build nests in a variety of locations: shrubs, trees, vines, grasses, and occasionally man-made structures. Most often, their cup-shaped nests are constructed in small trees or bushes, at a height typically under 10 feet.
According to the Birds of the World database**, incubation is performed exclusively by the female, but both parents feed their young. Adult California Towhees subsist on a diet of mostly seeds and vegetable matter; however, in spring, they forage for foods such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders to ensure their nestlings receive enough protein. Most nestlings fledge in their second week of life, but stay near the nest for a few weeks, often hiding in the brush waiting for food deliveries. After about 6 weeks, towhee parents drive away their young, forcing them to find vacant territories.
Last July, we watched with delight as this parent repeatedly fed its young out in the open alongside a trail. Juvenile birds are a similar color as an adult, but sport streaks down their chest.
Last June, during a languid birding-by-kayak session on the Russian River, we heard a stream of impatient “tsee” calls emanating from a bush on the riverbank – most certainly revealing the presence of hidden baby birds. We waited quietly to discover the identity of the begging babies, and our patience paid off when a California Towhee flew in to the bramble carrying food.
Listen in below – you can even hear faint “duet squeals” at 0:03 and 0:07 seconds. Perhaps the second parent was already hidden in the bramble keeping an eye on the youngsters.
Here’s another young bird – you can see the orange tones emerging, particularly in the undertail spot. Immature birds retain this messy, streaky plumage for a couple months before they molt into adult-looking plumage.
Cal Towhees typically begin nest-building in April or May for their first brood, so we’re keeping an eye out for signs of nesting activity from our resident pair. We’re excited for the upcoming 2020 Model of California Towhee!
If you’re interested in more about California Towhees, check out the rest of the series!
Day 1: It’s National California Towhee Week: Let’s Celebrate!
Day 2: California Towhee: Subtle Beauty
Day 3: California Towhee: What Are You Saying?
Day 4: California Towhee: Mates for Life
Day 6: California Towhee: The “Birb” Factor
Day 7: California Towhee: Friend of the Fox
Hurray for towhee week!
Thanks for following along w/towhee week, Greg! 🙂
I hope this is a seven day week!
Teresa and Miles: loved the weeklong look at our CATO and hoping you might do this for the CBCH!
Ooh, great idea, Ellie! We’ll put that on our list of future potential posts.
Hello!
I’m in So CA. Very few birds at my feeders. It’s been 4 days since my Towhee was here. They’re finished mounting. Where are they?
Hmmm, we’re not sure, Linda. Up here in Northern California, the birds have been starting to form mixed flocks as they forage. The chickadees and nuthatches have been busy gobbling at our neighbors feeders. I hope your resident Towhee is just being a bit more secretive than normal and is still around!!! Hopefully you see it soon! =)