The collared towhee is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae that is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist pine-oak montane forest and heavily degraded former forest. It occupies mountainous terrain from about 1,500 to 3,500 m.
Region
Mexican Highlands
Typical Environment
Found in montane pine-oak and mixed forests, forest edges, brushy clearings, and ravines throughout central and southern Mexico. It tolerates disturbed and secondary growth, including hedgerows and overgrown pastures near woodlands. Birds typically remain close to dense undergrowth and thickets, where they forage on or near the ground. They also use ecotones and sunny gaps where leaf litter accumulates. Breeding territories are established in shrubby patches with nearby canopy cover.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy ground-dwelling sparrow of the Mexican highlands is named for its crisp dark collar that frames a bright white throat. It forages with a characteristic double-scratch in leaf litter, often remaining under dense cover. Males deliver clear, whistled songs from low perches in pine-oak forest edges. Despite habitat degradation in parts of its range, it persists in secondary growth and disturbed areas.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, maintaining small territories in dense understory. Outside of breeding, it may occur in small family groups and occasionally accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are usually low in dense shrubs or on banks, built as a cup of grasses and rootlets. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and short trills delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp metallic chips and soft tchik notes from within cover. Vocalizations often carry well through montane forest edges.
