Abert's towhees are recognized by their relatively long tails, dark faces, and overall brown plumage.

They may be confused with the California towhee, but their dark faces are more distinct, and the range of these species only slightly overlaps.

[2] This bird is common in brushy riparian habitats in the Lower Sonoran desert zone and prefers to stay well-hidden under bushes.

Abert's towhees usually forage on the ground among dense brush for seeds, but they also incorporate insects into their diet.

[4] Like other towhees, they scratch at the ground in a manner similar to quail, and will sometimes dig up and eat grubs.