Towhee Habits

The Eastern and Spotted Towhee were once considered a single species (Rufous-sided Towhee) but not any longer. This information covers the general habits and identifications of Towhee's.

Description

In the West they have a similar appearance except that they also have white spots on their dark wings and back.

And in the South they may have a white eye instead of red.

Females are smiliar to the males in appearance, but the black areas are more of a brown or brownish gray.

Mating Habits

Males usually arrive first and begin singing to announce and defend their territory of about 1 1/2 to 2 acres.

When the female arrives and the two pair, the male will discontinue his singing and the pair will begin using the "chewink" call to keep in contact with one another.

Nesting Habits

These nest can be difficult to find since the female does not fly directly to the nest.

Instead, she lands a few feet away and using the cover of brush, walks to the nest.

The female lays 2 to 6 cream-colored or greenish eggs that are spotted with brown which she incubates for 12 - 13 days. The young will leave the nest in 10 - 12 days after hatching.

During nest building and incubation, the male towhee will rarely come near the nest. After the young hatch, the male helps feed the nestlings.

Feeding Habits

They hop forward and then jump backward, dragging their feet to pull leaves and debris to reveal insects and seeds.

These birds are primarily seed and berry eaters, they will eat insects during spring and summer when found on the ground.

A ground platform feeder placed near underbrush may attract the Towhee to feed in your yard. Keeping in mind the slightest disturbance will have them diving for cover.

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