The California Towhee in Oregon
The California Towhee in Oregon
The California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis crissalis) I have found to be fairly common at Kerby, Josephine County, Oregon. They are, however, so shy and keep so completely hidden in the thickest brush, except for occasional glimpses when flying from one thicket to another, that it is almost impossible to collect specimens. I have not succeded in finding a nest, but have taken some skins which seem to differ appreciably from skins taken farther south.
I saw California Towhees first in 1901 on the East Fork of the Illinois River 3½ miles north of the California line, and I have seen them along the river in suitable places for about 12 miles farther north. This area includes all of the level, open river valley in these parts, the high mountains or foothills coming right down to the river north and south of it. There seem to be suitable places along the West Fork of the river, but I have not seen any of the birds there. I have not seen them earlier than May or later than October.
