The California Towhee is a fairly nondescript bird. Both sexes are a dull brown overall with rust underneath the tail and buff or rust-colored streaks at the throat. Around ten inches in length with a longish tail, it gives the appearance of a large dull colored sparrow. A permanent resident of the far west coast from Southern Oregon to Baja California, it is common in Northern California and can be seen all over Chico and Bidwell Park. It nests from chaparral vegetation into the lower mountain slope.
California Towhees are most often seen as individuals rather than groups. When disturbed or frightened, the towhee will run like a mouse rather than fly. A group of towhees is called a “teapot.”