ExploreBirds

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

The Spotted Towhee is a colorful bird with black, white, and rusty orange feathers. They love to hop around on the ground looking for seeds and insects to eat.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Spotted Towhee is a chunky bird with a black head, throat, and back, marked with bright white spots on its wings and back. Its sides are a rich rufous-brown, and it has striking red eyes, making it distinctive from other ground-dwelling sparrows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusPipilo
Spotted Towhee
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Spotted Towhee

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite their name, many don't migrate far, staying local year-round!

Their bright red eyes stand out, making them look extra sharp and alert!

They sing a cheerful 'drink-your-tea' song, often heard just before rain!

When foraging, they do a cute 'double-scratch' dance with both feet!

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Litter Excavator

Spotted Towhee can find hidden insects by using a unique two-footed backward scratch, like a mini excavator, to uncover tasty treats.

Ability

Warning Whistler

Spotted Towhee has a loud 'chewink' call that helps them warn other birds about danger, keeping everyone safe in the brush.

Ability

Seed Cracker Beak

Spotted Towhee can crack open tough seeds with its strong, cone-shaped beak, accessing nutritious food sources that others can't.

Measurements & details

Length
17-21 cm
Wingspan
25-30 cm
Weight
0.03-0.049 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
0 km

Diet & Feeding

These omnivores primarily scratch for insects, spiders, and seeds on the ground.

Primary Foods

  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars
  • Ants
  • Spiders
  • Grass seeds
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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 Spotted Towhee?

17-21 cm

What is Spotted Towhee's wingspan?

25-30 cm

How much does Spotted Towhee weigh?

0.03-0.049 kg

How long does Spotted Towhee live?

2-8 years

How fast can Spotted Towhee move?

40 km/h

What does Spotted Towhee eat?

These omnivores primarily scratch for insects, spiders, and seeds on the ground.

Where is Spotted Towhee usually found?

Forests

How does Spotted Towhee hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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