California Towhee vs Fox Sparrow: How to Tell Them Apart

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

Small53 gShrubland

The California towhee's coloring is dull brown overall with light rust undertail covert feathers and buff or rust-colored streaks at the throat. There is little sexual dimorphism. California towhees have the short, rounded wings of a sparrow, as well as a long tail and a thick beak which is used for cracking seeds. However, the towhees are larger and bulkier than sparrows. Both sexes of towhee generally grow to be 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 11.4 in (29 cm). They weigh 1.3–2.4 oz (37–68 g).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Call · McClellan Ranch Preserve, Santa Clara, California, United States · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Dario · CC0

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

Small33 gForest

Adults are among the largest New World sparrows, heavily spotted and streaked underneath. All feature a messy central breast spot though this is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties. Plumage varies markedly from one group to another. Measurements: Length: 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in) Wingspan: 26.7–29 cm (10.5–11.4 in) Weight: 26–44 g (0.92–1.55 oz)

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Doug Hynes · Song · Little Mecatina River, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Chris Fluit · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

United States Mexico

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: California Towhee and Fox Sparrow.