Found in brushy areas, riparian thickets, and in chaparral habitats.

This brownish bird has rufous undertail coverts (compare with California Thrasher), grayish-buff underparts, and a necklace of brown marks on throat.

Bulky, cup-shaped nest is built using twigs, grasses, and plant stems. California Towhees nest in shrubs or trees. Diet is mostly seeds, fruit, or other plant matter; some insects, spiders, and mollusks are also taken.