Eastern towhees typically nest on or near the ground. Several literature reviews note the predominance of eastern towhee nests below 5 feet (1.5 m). In a study of cowbird parasitism on Sanibel Island, all 5 eastern towhee nests located were within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the ground. Nests as high as 18 feet (5.5 m) have been reported in literature reviews. Nests higher off the ground in mixed aspen stands of varying ages in Pennsylvania had significantly (p<0.001) lower nest success. Of 13 unsuccessful eastern towhee nests, 11 were greater than 1-foot (0.30 m) above the ground.
Love both of these shots, HJ! The Mrs is keeping an eye on you!! š
Thanks so much, Donna. š
The green in both photos has such a different way of backstopping each bird – nice pair of photos and of course lovely birds
Thank you very much, Ivette. š
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Love the shot of the female looking behind her, amazing photo š
Thank you, Marianne. š
these are wonderful shots, and each of them brings different characters in our journey.
Thanks so much, Mihran. š
Nesting so close to the ground seems counter productive as you’re so much closer to the mouths of predators, but it seems to work for them?
They don’t seem to have a problem. They hide in bushes that are thick and the predators can’t get to them. Thanks, D. š