General

Spotted Towhee: Large sparrow with white-spotted black back and black rump. Breast is black, belly is white, and sides are rufous. Head is black and eyes are red. Wings are black with white spots. Tail is long and black with white corners. Female is duller, with brown instead of black and fewer white spots.

Range and Habitat

Spotted Towhee: Breeds from British Columbia south to California and the southwest, and east to central Dakotas and western Texas. Spends winters from British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska south to Baja California and east to Oklahoma and south-central Texas. Preferred habitats include forest edges, thickets, woodlands, gardens, and shrubby park areas.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"cheweeeeee", "meewwww"

Interesting Facts

 When disturbed, a nesting female Spotted Towhee may run away like a mouse rather than fly.

 They occasionally sun themselves, lying down on the grass with feathers spread.

 They often bathe in dew or fog drip on vegetation.

 A group of towhees are collectively known as a "tangle" and a "teapot" of towhees.

Author

Gary Owen Dick

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