Pipilo maculatus
The Spotted Towhee, a striking denizen of Western North America, is a medium-sized New World sparrow, measuring approximately 7.1-9.8 inches (18-25 cm) in length with a wingspan of 11-13 inches (28-33 cm) and weighing 1.2-1.8 oz (35-50 g). Adult males boast a glossy black hood, back, and wings heavily adorned with prominent white spots and streaks, contrasting sharply with rufous (rusty brown) flanks and a clean white belly. Their most distinctive field mark is a bright red eye, which is espe...
Dense undergrowth, brushy areas, chaparral, forest edges, riparian corridors, and suburban gardens, primarily at low to mid-elevations.
Mainly insects (beetles, ants, caterpillars), spiders, seeds (grasses, forbs), and small fruits or berries; primarily foraged on the ground.
Spotted Towhees are predominantly diurnal, spending much of their time on the ground foraging with a distinctive 'double-scratch' technique, using both feet simultaneously to kick back leaf litter. Males are highly territorial during breeding season, defending their patch with persistent, varied ...
The Spotted Towhee is widely distributed across Western North America. Its primary breeding range extends from southern British Columbia, central Alberta, and Saskatchewan southward through the western United States, encompassing the Pacific Coast, Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and southwestern d...
Least Concern
- The Spotted Towhee was once considered the same species as the Eastern Towhee, collectively known as the Rufous-sided Towhee, before being split into two distinct species. - They are famous for their 'double-scratch' foraging technique, where they kick back leaf litter with both feet simultaneo...