H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Once in a while I spot a male or female Eastern Towhee in my backyard or going under the deck where I suspect they have nests.

The Eastern Towhee is a large and striking species of sparrow. Adults have rufous sides, a white belly and a long dark tail with white edges. The eyes are red, white for birds in the other areas of the Country. Males have a black head, upper body and tail; these parts are brown in the female. Juveniles are brown overall. Eastern towhees of all ages and both sexes are generally unmistakable.

Eastern towhees eat a variety of plant and animal matter. In literature reviews, eastern towhees are reported to eat seeds and fruits, several invertebrates, and occasionally small amphibians, snakes, and lizards.

These birds primarily eat on the ground although they also glean from  vegetation.

I believe that are elegant looking birds that usually live their life independently and peacefully. I love it when I see one of them either male or female in the backyard then I immediately look around, and I find the counterpart watching close by. They keep an eye on each other!

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101