Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Description

On the male, the head and upper parts are black, with a white underneath, and rufous sides. They have white patches on the tail corners. Their eyes are usually red (but some have white near the south Atlantic Coast and in Florida). Females are similar but are brown where males are black.

Voice

Their song is a drink your tea with the last syllable being longer and wavering.

Habitat

They are found in open woods, undergrowth, and brushy areas.

Diet

Eastern towhee eats seeds, insects, and some small fruit.

Range

They are found in the eastern half of the United States.

Other Useful Information

Until 1995, the Eastern towhee and the spotted towhee were considered the same species. Where they meet in the Great Plains, the two will hybridize.

Similar Species

Spotted towhee.