A western counterpart to Eastern Towhee.

Also called: Rufous-sided Towhee

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 in); wingspan 18–24 cm
Weight13–25 g
LifespanWild typically 2–4 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyPasserellidae

§ Encyclopedia

The spotted towhee is a large New World sparrow. The taxonomy of the towhees has been debated in recent decades, and until 1995 this bird and the eastern towhee were considered a single species, then named rufous-sided towhee. Another outdated name for the spotted towhee is the Oregon towhee. The call may be harsher and more varied than for the eastern towhee.

Source: Wikipedia — Spotted towhee Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Black hood and upperparts (males) spangled with bold white spots on the wings and back, rufous sides, white belly, and red eyes.

Similar species. Eastern Towhee is nearly identical but lacks the white back/wing spotting; the two were once lumped as 'Rufous-sided Towhee'.

Voice. A buzzy, raspy trill 'chweeee'; call an upslurred catlike 'mew' or 'chwee?'.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).

Behavior. Scratches noisily in leaf litter with a two-footed backward hop in brushy western habitats; often detected by the rustling before the bird is seen.

§ Range

Western US

§ Habitat

Brushy habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the spotted towhee is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support shrubby habitat conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List