Geography/Habitat:

The Eastern Towhee, (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), was formerly considered conspecific with the Spotted Towhee and was collectively known as the Rufous-sided Towhee first described by Linnaeus in 1758 in South Carolina. Relationships within the genus remain unclear with breeding intergrades adding to the confusion. Three subspecies distinguished by varying eye color are currently defined.

Predominantly found in Eastern North America, the Eastern Towhee is somewhat migratory, breeding in the North of its range in SE Canada and the NE US but is resident along the eastern seaboard to Florida. In winter there is some movement South and West with a migratory winter population found along the Gulf Coast to East Texas.

Relatively common in its range where it prefers brushy habitat with dense undergrowth. It is typically found on the ground foraging in the leaf litter but will feed in residential areas in gardens.

Breeds in April to August but often has two clutches. The female builds a nest of twigs and grass lined with moss and leaves on or very close to the ground. 3-5 white to pink spotted eggs are laid and hatch in about 11-12 days remaining in the nest for a further 10-12 days. The chicks are fed by both parents.

Eastern Towhees feed primarily on small insects and spiders but will eat seeds particularly in Winter. Note the double scratch feeding technique.

Identification:

A large long tailed sparrow. The head, neck, and upper parts are black but note a white patch in wing. The underparts are white but with distinctive rufous sides and flanks and orange undertail coverts. Eye color is variable depending on the subspecies from red to straw. Note the female is similar but the upperparts tend to be duller brown than black.

The Eastern Towhee has a mix of musical songs but a distinctive “Drink your tea” song is most common. Its call is a loud “chwink”.

Interesting Facts:

·      Considered to be part of the Rufous-sided Towhee species together with the Spotted Towhee until 1995. Note the two intergrade notably in the Great Plains area.

·      The name "Towhee" is a loose description of the bird's call first coined by the naturalist Mark Catesby in 1731.

·      A group of towhees is known as a tangle or a teapot.