towhee

1. Bird Name:
The Towhee is a bird species commonly known as the Eastern Towhee. Its scientific (Latin) name is Pipilo erythrophthalmus.

2. Appearance:
Eastern Towhees are strikingly beautiful birds where the males typically showcase a black hood and back, while the females display the same pattern, but in a rich brown color. The belly of both sexes is white, inset by a rufous, flanks giving the appearance of a patchwork quilt. This dramatic coloration is complemented by red eyes in the birds found in the east, and the ones found in Florida and the Gulf Coast may have yellow eyes. They have a chunky rounded body with a long, fanned tail bordered by white spots. Their beaks, designed to crack seeds and capture insects, are short and robust.

3. Size:
An average Eastern Towhee grows between 17 cm to 23 cm in length (about 7 to 9 inches). Their wingspan can measure between 20-30 cm, roughly 8-12 inches. Typically, they weigh between 32 g to 53 g, or around 1.1 to 1.8 oz.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
Eastern Towhees inhabit the eastern and southeastern parts of North America. This includes the United States (from southern Iowa to Massachusetts, down to Florida and eastern Texas) and southeastern Canada. Their preferred habitats include thickets, clearings, edges of forests, gardens, and suburban areas with dense shrubbery.

5. Interesting Facts:
Eastern Towhees are known for their ground-scratching behavior. Unlike most birds that peck around, Towhees engage in a unique two-footed backward hop while scratching the ground to uncover insects and seeds. They are also known for their reclusive nature, often bashing into window panes thinking their reflection is an intruder.

6. Diet:
These birds are omnivorous, having a diverse diet that includes seeds, berries, fruits, and insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
Towhees are enjoyed for their song, which sounds like “drink-your-teaaa”. They also make a variety of call sounds, most notably a tow-hee from where they get their name. They exhibit strikingly unique behavior during a mating display – the male bird struts around the female with wings and tail spread wide.

8. Conservation Status:
The Eastern Towhee is currently categorized as ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List, but their numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

9. Lifespan:
In the wild, Eastern Towhees typically have a lifespan of around 12 years. In captivity, they may live longer.

10. Additional Notes:
In local languages, the bird’s name takes its origin from its song. For instance, the Cherokee Indians named it ‘towwee’ echoing its call. Human encroachment on their preferred habitats has led to some adaptation amongst the Towhees as they can frequently be spotted in parks and gardens. Their diet of insects and seeds makes them a welcome addition to any garden, helping control pests in a neighborhood. However, domestic and feral cats are a significant threat to this ground-nesting species.