This species averages darker and stockier than the similar Canyon Towhee. Medium gray-brown overall, with a darker tail and a faint reddish cast to the crown. The face and throat are washed cinnamon, and are outlined by an indistinct necklace of blurry streaks. Belly is paler, and the undertail coverts are cinnamon. At close range, note the cinnamon eye ring. Juveniles show faint cinnamon wing bars and faint streaking on the underparts.

Length: 21 (cm) Wingspan: 29 (cm)

Voice:

Song is an accelerating series of shallow ticks, descending in pitch near the end; teek ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti. Call a loud single metallic "chink."

Habitat:

Chaparral, coastal scrub, riparian corridors, open woodland, residential areas.

Behavior:

Typically stays close to heavy cover, running rather than flying when threatened.

Feeding:

Scratches on the ground for seeds and insects.