Eastern Towhee
NameEastern Towhee
Common NameEastern Towhee
Scientific NamePipilo erythrophthalmus
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)42.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black head, back, and tail, with bright rufous (rusty) flanks and a clean white belly. The outer tail feathers have prominent white patches, visible in flight or when fanned. Their eyes are typically reddish-brown.
Vocalization / CallTheir song is a distinctive, often loud 'drink-your-tea!' with the 'tea' part being a trill. Their common call is a sharp, rising 'chewink' or 'tow-hee'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and eastern Texas. Northern populations are migratory, while southern populations are resident year-round.
Identifying FeaturesBlack head and back (male), Rufous sides, White belly, Red eyes, White outer tail feathers, Ground-foraging behavior
Description
The Eastern Towhee is a large, striking sparrow known for its distinctive ground-foraging behavior, often scratching vigorously in leaf litter. Males are easily identified by their bold black, rufous, and white plumage. They typically inhabit dense undergrowth and forest edges.
