SPARROWS, BUNTINGS

Spotted Towhee, Pipilo maculatus

Family Emberizidae (Sparrows, Buntings)

Size: 8.5"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Thickets, suburban shrubs, gardens

The Spotted Towhee is a large, long-tailed sparrow with a thick, short bill and sturdy legs. It forages on the ground in dense cover by kicking back both feet at once to uncover insects, seeds, and worms. It is black above, including the head and upper breast, and has rufous sides and a white belly. It has white wing bars, white spotting on the scapulars and mantle, and white corners on the tail. The eye color is red. Females look like the males but are brown above. The Spotted Towhee and the Eastern Towhee were previously considered one species, the Rufous-sided Towhee. The adult male is illustrated.