Hybrid Towhee, Ash Canyon Bed and Breakfast

26 November 2005 photo by Jim Burns

This bird was coming to the drip down below Mary Jo Ballator's back fence in Ash Canyon. We saw it on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27. At first I thought it was just a Green-tailed Towhee, but it was so dark overall, and then I was thinking it was an immature Green-tailed, but Rising doesn't show any plumages for Green-tailed between the stripey juvenile and full adult.

Spotted Towhee characteristics

• Black areas on the head and face
• Black area on upper breast
• Cinnamon flanks
• White corners on the outer tail feathers

Green-tailed Towhee characteristics

• Rufous crown
• White throat
• Black malar stripes

So, I'm thinking Green-tailed X Spotted which Rising does mention in one of his books occurs occasionally.
- Jim Burns