Eastern Towhee

The eastern towhee is a large colorful sparrow found through out the eastern half of North America. At one time they were considered the same species as the spotted towhee, which is found in the western half of North America, and were called the Rufous-sided towhee. However even though they do sometimes cross breed where the species over lap in the middle of the continent they are different enough to be considered two separate species.

The name towhee comes from a description of one of the birds common calls. Towhees usually spend most of their time in the undergrowth foraging for seeds, fruits and insects. The best time that you have a chance to get a good look at them is when they perch in a tree or bush to sing. Males often have a number of different songs that they sing.