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Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

The Eastern Towhee is a colorful bird with a black head and bright orange sides. They love to hop around on the ground looking for tasty seeds and insects to eat.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Eastern Towhee is a medium-sized bird with striking rufous (rusty orange) sides and a white belly. Males have a sleek black head and back, while females sport a brownish head and back. Both sexes show distinctive white patches on their outer tail feathers, especially visible in flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusPipilo
Eastern Towhee
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Eastern Towhee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Sometimes people call them "chewink" because of their sharp call.

Their bright red eyes stand out against their dark feathers!

They often hop backwards with both feet to find yummy treats.

Young towhees look like grown-ups, but with brown streaks.

Special abilities

Ability

Ground Scrubber

Eastern Towhee can kick leaves and dirt with both feet at once to uncover hidden insects and seeds on the forest floor.

Ability

Secret Singer

Eastern Towhee has a distinctive 'Drink-your-tea!' song that helps them communicate and claim their territory.

Ability

Leafy Lurker

Eastern Towhee can blend into dense underbrush because of its dark plumage, helping them avoid predators.

Measurements & details

Length
17-23 cm
Wingspan
28-33 cm
Weight
0.032-0.05 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
12-13 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

These omnivores scratch the ground for insects and seeds, and also enjoy tasty berries.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • caterpillars
  • ants
  • spiders
  • seeds
  • berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Rufous-sided Towhee

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eastern Towhee?

17-23 cm

What is Eastern Towhee's wingspan?

28-33 cm

How much does Eastern Towhee weigh?

0.032-0.05 kg

How long does Eastern Towhee live?

6-10 years

How fast can Eastern Towhee move?

35 km/h

What does Eastern Towhee eat?

These omnivores scratch the ground for insects and seeds, and also enjoy tasty berries.

Where is Eastern Towhee usually found?

Forests

How does Eastern Towhee hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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