Abert's towhee

Melozone aberti

Abert's towhee is a medium-sized bird found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a distinctive black head, white throat, and rufous sides. This species prefers dense, brushy habitats such as chaparral, desert scrub, and thorn-scrub. Abert's towhees are primarily ground-dwelling birds, foraging for seeds, insects, and fruits in the underbrush. They are known for their distinctive call, a series of metallic 'chink' notes. While not currently considered at risk, habitat loss and degradation in their range could pose future threats to this species.

Habitat: Chaparral, desert scrub, thorn-scrub